City officials from around the world have toured the Southeastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, part of the Global Mayors Dialogue. The platform aims to deepen understanding and cooperation between cities across the globe. Cao Chufeng has the story.
The tour of Hangzhou for global city officials began in the Friendship Garden of Hangzhou International Sister Cities. Since the first batch of trees were planted here in 2008, there's now over 90 in a garden that symbolizes the friendship between Hangzhou and foreign cities. They also highlight the efforts of different cities in promoting environmental preservation.
Xu Weihua, the Deputy Mayor of Hangzhou, represented the city by planting trees of friendship with foreign guests.
JAMES REGINALD COLIMON, Deputy Director of Global Affairs and Protocol of Boston "You have to plant trees for people's shade you never meet in your life, to me this is wonderful. We see so many delegations that came far far away and very close to be here. It's a testament that we can find a common solution for climate change."
The foreign regional officials also got the chance to learn about the history of Hangzhou, by visiting the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu.
The site dates back to the late Neolithic period, when an early regional state emerged in the Yangtze River Basin. The discovery provides unique evidence for China's five-thousand-year-old civilization.
For some foreign guests, it also serves as inspiration for how to better manage tourist attractions.
DR. HAJI SABIN BIN SAMITAH, Mayor of Kota Kinabalu "Of course, because this is a historical area, I can see how they preserve the nature beauty and ruins here, and I think this one will be very good for us to emulate back in my city."
The final stop for the guests was the Hangzhou office of Alibaba Group, the Chinese tech giant that specializes in e-commerce, retail, technology and entertainment. Some of the foreign mayors said the visit has inspired them to pursue new opportunities for cooperation.
DR. OUMAR CISSE, Mayor of the City of Rufisque "We have many products in Africa, many many products, how to sell those products, how to reach a global market is an issue, maybe one of the opportunities could be offered by this platform."
CAO CHUFENG, Hangzhou "Hangzhou has long been known for its stunning landscape and rich history, and the city is now a leader in innovative development in China. This is not only aimed at helping international investors learn more about Hangzhou, it's about fostering greater understanding and cooperation between different cities across the world. Cao Chufeng, CGTN, Hangzhou."
