"Time is money and businesses like quick decisions and certainty. No one wants to do business in an environment where governments frequently change their minds, leading to uncertainties," Tiwari says.

Chongqing authorities are also known for their aggressiveness and decisiveness in business.

Last year, 177 corrupt officials were sacked during a crackdown on mafia-style gangs in Chongqing. The crackdown, which was launched in 2009, led to at least 920 arrests and 1,335 prosecutions.

Chongqing separated from Sichuan province in 1997 and has much to catch up with Chengdu, Sichuan's provincial capital, in terms of living conditions for foreigners. For example, there is still no direct flight from Chongqing to European countries.

But many believe that Chongqing's development will be swift with its special status as the only municipality in the west and the powerhouse enhancing the overall development of the western regions.

Chongqing's Liangjiang New Area was ratified in May 2010, making it the third zone after Shanghai Pudong and Tianjin Binhai to offer preferential policies for land, finance, taxation, investment and trade.

"For me, I have no plans to go home. There are more opportunities in the city," Adam McWhirter says.

"Beijing, Shanghai and other first-tier cities have already had their 'foreign invasions'."