With the slogan "Openness and Innovation, Leading the Future", the 2018 Guangzhou International Innovation Festival began in Guangzhou on Dec 3.

Zhang Jianhua, deputy secretary-general of Guangzhou municipal government, addressed the opening ceremony.

Officials initiate the 2018 Guangzhou International Innovation Festival. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Zhang, together with Dr. Yossi Vardi, Israeli entrepreneur and investor, Nadav Cohen, Israeli consul general in Guangzhou, Song Xianzhong, head of Jinan University, and other officials from Guangzhou, initiated the innovation festival.

The festival was held at the Guangzhou Library from Dec 3 to 5. It was jointly hosted by Tianhe district, the Guangzhou foreign affairs office and the Guangzhou science, technology and innovation commission. This year's festival featured an opening ceremony, thematic forums, and an international innovation and entrepreneurship competition.

Experts exchange insights during a forum. [Photo/ycwb.com]

Diao Ailin, deputy secretary-general of Guangzhou municipal government, takes part in "The Night of Future", an innovation gala held during the 2018 Guangzhou International Innovation Festival on Dec 4. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]