UK-Liangjiang intl dialogue takes place

The UK-Chongqing Liangjiang New Area International Cooperation Dialogue on High-tech City Development opens on Feb 28 in Liangjiang New Area, Southwest China's Chongqing municipality. [Photo/liangjiang.gov.cn]

On Feb 28, the UK-Chongqing Liangjiang New Area International Cooperation Dialogue on High-tech City Development took place in Liangjiang New Area. Representatives from Chinese and British enterprises engaged in discussions pertaining to future urban development, green sustainable initiatives, sports, culture, and creativity.

Qin Shubin, vice-director of the Chongqing Liangjiang New Area Administrative Committee, met with a British team led by Lu Rui, deputy commissioner of HM Trade in China.

The deputy commissioner expressed that the new area is an important partner for the British government and the British Consulate-General in Chongqing, as it helps promote trade and investment between the United Kingdom and Chongqing. They hoped that through this dialogue, experts from the government and business could come together to discuss the latest concepts regarding green and sustainable urban development, as well as the transformation of green industries. It is expected that this activity will foster productive commercial collaborations and explore future opportunities for cooperation.

Qin also highlighted the deepened collaboration between Liangjiang and the United Kingdom in recent years, with a number of British companies successfully establishing themselves in the real estate, environmental protection, commerce, and technology sectors within the new area. It is hoped that this exchange will also lead to more extensive cultural exchanges.

Additionally, the two sides are expected to jointly organize various international conferences, forums, and sports events between China and the UK, thereby promoting a friendly partnership between the new area and British cities and regions.

Zhang Xiaoyuan, director of strategic planning at the Savills China Strategic Advisory Center, shared insights on "Exploring the International Development Model of Future Cities". Using the example of the British city of Manchester, he elaborated on its transformation from a low-end manufacturing-oriented city to a city known for its creative industry.

Zhang summarized that to develop future city strategies, it is essential to focus on six aspects: industry, transportation, residence, culture and tourism, business districts, and ecology.