Guangzhou, as an international trading port for over 2,000 years, has played an important role in promoting exchanges with foreign countries since ancient times. In more recent times, Guangzhou has become known by cities around the world through its participation and cooperation in international exchanges, as well as its implementation of a proactive strategy of opening-up.
A wider circle of friends
International sister cities serve as great boosters to push forward a city's internationalization. Since 2011, Guangzhou has added 14 new international sister cities, bringing the overall total to 65. The number of countries that have established consulate generals in Guangzhou has reached 55. This demonstrates Guangzhou's enhanced international status, especially after Guangzhou joined the organization, United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG). Also, during China's 12th five-year plan period, Guangzhou's government drew up a detailed plan to expand international sister cities. "All of these lay a solid foundation for Guangzhou to build itself as an international exchange center," said an official from the city's Foreign Affairs Office.
City hosts major international conferences
Guangzhou held many major conferences last year. Among them were the Guangzhou Annual Investment Meeting in March, ASEM Media Dialogue on Connectivity in May, the fifth China (Guangzhou) International Finance Expo in June, the 2nd Investing in Africa Forum in September, the Business Roundtable in November, and the Convention on Exchange of Overseas Talents in December. Guangzhou will also greet the Fortune Global Forum in 2017 and the World Route Development Forum in 2018.
The Guangzhou government is now in the stage of preparing for the global forum. "The Fortune Global Forum to be held in Guangzhou will bring new opportunities for Guangzhou's foreign exchange, further promoting Guangzhou's influence on the world and raising its reputation," said Hu Gang, a committee member of the China Association of City Planning and a professor at Jinan University.
These conferences, involving various sectors such as trade, health, culture and education, are believed to integrate high-quality international resources to give the boost to the development of Guangzhou.
