Sino-French Mayors Roundtable was held in Dalian, Liaoning to build a new pattern of Sino-French urban cooperation

China News Service, Dalian, Liaoning, November 4 (Reporter Yang Yi) The Sino-French Mayors Roundtable, co-sponsored by the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs and the France-France Committee for Development and Exchange, was held in Dalian, Liaoning from the 3rd to the 4th. The theme of the meeting was "Implementing the Consensus of the Heads of State Meeting and Building a New Pattern of Sino-French Urban Cooperation." Representatives from more than ten cities in China and France attended the meeting and exchanged views on multiple topics.

The French delegation attending this Sino-French Mayors Roundtable was led by Gilles Averu, mayor of Chateauroux, France and chairman of the Association of French Cities, and included officials from Nevers, Jean and other cities as well as members of the National Assembly. The Chinese delegation was led by Yang Tao, Vice President of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs, and included government representatives from nine cities (districts) including Dalian, Chengdu, Zhongshan, and Wanzhou District of Chongqing.

Yang Tao pointed out in his speech that under the strategic guidance of the heads of state of China and France, China and France maintain close exchanges at high-level and at all levels. Sino-French relations are rooted in localities and cities. The consensus reached by the two heads of state will ultimately depend on cities and batches of companies to be implemented. This meeting aims to build a platform for candid communication, deepen mutual understanding, properly manage economic and trade risks, and promote practical cooperation between the two parties.

Gilles Averu said that France has accumulated rich experience in urban planning, public transportation, old city renewal, and public service operations, and Chinese cities have achieved grand urban and economic transformation in just a few years. Both sides have something to learn from each other and can plan projects based on the actual conditions of each place to pursue mutual benefit and win-win results.

After the opening ceremony, members of the delegation conducted in-depth exchanges and discussions on the topic of "deepening mutual understanding and recognition, and jointly managing economic and trade risks."

The meeting will last for two days. Guests attending the meeting will also have discussions and exchanges on topics such as "deeply cultivating cooperation in traditional fields, expanding emerging tracks, and promoting the implementation of the consensus reached by the two heads of state", as well as "strengthening exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations, and strengthening the non-governmental friendship between China and France." During the meeting, representatives from both parties will also visit Dalian COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. and other companies. (over)