The 9th United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific Congress took place from Nov 13 to 15 in Yiwu, Zhejiang province with a goal to establish a cooperation platform among global cities. Representatives from Kunming participated in the congress alongside more than 500 delegates from 36 countries and cities, international organizations, and consulates.
An Enfa, deputy mayor of Kunming, highlighted the area's strategic location and excellent transportation during a speech at the main forum's roundtable dialogue: Economic and Trade Cooperation among Asia-Pacific Cities and Local Governments.
Logistics channels to countries around the Indian Ocean are expected to become more convenient with the progress of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and the launch of the China-Laos Railway.
He also mentioned that Kunming is actively developing eight key industrial chains, including green food, biopharmaceuticals, flowers, high-end equipment and automobile manufacturing, electronic information manufacturing and the digital economy, and green energy.
In the future, Kunming presents numerous opportunities in industrial development and cross-border international cooperation.
He warmly welcomed friends from around the world to visit Kunming, deeply understand the charm of the Spring City, share development opportunities, and jointly create a better future.
In sharing examples of cases regarding balancing urban economic growth with sustainable environmental development, An Enfa said that as the capital of Yunnan province, Kunming takes the lead in shouldering the responsibility of ecological environmental protection. Kunming adheres to the principles of prioritizing ecology and promoting green development, relying on high-level ecological environmental protection to support high-quality economic and social development.
It is the world's largest international organization of major cities and local governments, and it is the only local government organization recognized by the United Nations. Following the recommendation of the China People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Kunming officially joined UCLG in 2012.
