Jakarta, INTI – The city of Chongqing, located in southwest China, captured the world’s attention in late September when it hosted the 19th Chongqing Mayor’s International Economic Advisory Council Meeting. During the forum, global business leaders and investors discussed new directions for the development of industries driven by artificial intelligence (AI). Amid rising global economic challenges, China presented a solution through its “AI Plus” initiative, which integrates AI technology with traditional manufacturing sectors. This move is more than just a digitalization strategy it serves as a roadmap toward a sustainable smart industrial ecosystem, positioning Chongqing as a leading stage for collaboration between innovation and international investment.
Seres and ByteDance Develop End-to-End AI Ecosystem
One concrete example of this initiative’s progress comes from Seres Group, a leading new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer. The company recently announced a strategic partnership with tech giant ByteDance on October 10.
Through a framework agreement involving Seres’ subsidiary in Chongqing, the collaboration will include joint design and comprehensive (end-to-end) AI system development. The goal is to build an AI application ecosystem that not only enhances the efficiency of electric vehicle production but also strengthens the competitiveness of China’s automotive industry on a global scale.
Business Community Welcomes AI Plus Initiative
Since the Chinese government launched the AI Plus implementation guidelines last August, numerous multinational corporations have begun recognizing the vast opportunities behind the initiative. The systematic approach focusing on strengthening AI infrastructure and accelerating the integration of AI technologies into economic and social sectors has drawn widespread attention from international investors.
“The integration of AI with sustainable manufacturing will create new growth opportunities and foster collaboration in China,” said Michael Mertin, CEO of AT&S AG, an Austria-based technology manufacturer.
China’s Market Strength and Innovation Ecosystem
The message from the meeting was clear: “If you want to develop AI, do it in China.”
And the reasons are compelling. China’s vast domestic market, rapid application iteration, and comprehensive industrial ecosystem have become key attractions.
“We test many global technologies in China because the speed of innovation here is unmatched,” said Jerome Dorlack, CEO of Adient, a global leader in automotive seating.
According to him, implementing AI in Chongqing’s production lines has reduced manual intervention by up to 30 percent, demonstrating how AI accelerates real-world industrial efficiency.
Advanced Manufacturing Investments and Collaborative Commitment
Beyond the automotive industry, AI technology is also driving significant investments in the semiconductor sector.
STMicroelectronics, together with San’an Optoelectronics, recently inaugurated a silicon carbide wafer plant in Chongqing. The facility is scheduled to begin mass production this year, supplying high-performance chips for NEV and photovoltaic industries.
Meanwhile, Qualcomm has expressed its readiness to work with the Chongqing government to develop a new AI-based productive force system, highlighting its long-term commitment to AI-driven collaboration in China.
China’s AI Push Fuels a More Open Global Ecosystem
Chinese AI companies are not only strengthening domestic industries but are also providing intelligent infrastructure and promoting the “AI Plus manufacturing” model globally.
The launch of open-source AI models such as DeepSeek has accelerated the global shift toward more open and collaborative AI development.
“No single company holds the ultimate key to AI. Building the ecosystem requires collective effort,” said Dorlack.
Mertin echoed this view, noting that China has now become a global innovation leader in AI, capable of fostering collaboration across technologies, products, and markets.
Conclusion
China’s AI Plus initiative has rapidly evolved into a new magnet for international investment, transforming Chongqing into a global hub for smart manufacturing. Supported by government policies, cross-sector partnerships, and global commitments from major players like Seres, ByteDance, Qualcomm, and STMicroelectronics, China is positioning itself not merely as a user of technology but as a creator of the future of industrial AI worldwide.
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