Representatives from over 30 companies, including Amway China, DiDi Chuxing, Nippon Paint China, and MINISO, met on January 20 to discuss the next phase of the "City Partner" initiative. The symposium reviewed collaborative efforts during China's 15th National Games and explored new models of public-private cooperation aligned with the city's 15th Five-Year Plan goals.
The "City Partner" initiative represents an innovative approach to urban resource collaboration, going beyond traditional sponsorship models by enabling businesses to take part in city branding, governance, and industrial upgrading. An Amway China representative described the partnership as a new paradigm that turns companies into co-creators of urban development, generating valuable "post-Games dividends." Oriental Yuhong, a waterproof technology company, also highlighted the program's role in fostering shared growth with the city.
During the Games, enterprises delivered both technological and social value. DiDi Chuxing, China's leading ride-hailing platform, deployed autonomous vehicle fleets and donated carbon credits, while Jiadu Technology's traffic systems improved efficiency around venues. On the cultural side, Chinese retail lifestyle brand MINISO's "Lychee Dundun Chicken" city IP boosted consumer engagement, and Tongxin Sports expanded public access to professional sports facilities, serving over ten million users.
Looking ahead, companies proposed establishing government-led coordination platforms and applying AI and smart logistics to improve city management. The Guangzhou branch of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) recommended creating dedicated cultural and sports funds, while CBRE emphasized blending commercial and tourism resources to build distinctive city IPs.
Guangzhou plans to further institutionalize the "City Partner" model, with potential new applications in smart city projects, green development, and urban renewal, evolving from single-project cooperation to a sustainable ecosystem.
Author | Feng Huiting
Photo | 15th National Games Organizing Committee in Guangzhou
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He
