Chinese and international guests pose for a group photo. [Photo/The 6th Shaoxing International Friendship Cities Conference]

The main conference of the 6th Shaoxing International Friendship Cities Conference took place on May 29.

Marcelo Clovis Magnou Perez, consul general of Uruguay in Shanghai, congratulated the conference on its opening. He spoke highly of Shaoxing's charm and openness and noted the sound cooperation between China and Uruguay in trade, investment, education, science, and agriculture. He said the recent visit to China by Uruguay President Yamandu Orsi had created new opportunities for bilateral ties.

The signing ceremony for economic and trade cooperation projects is held at the conference. [Photo provided by Zheng Peigeng]

Since its inception in 2016, this biennial conference has facilitated the implementation of nearly 60 cooperative projects in its previous five editions. This year's conference saw the addition of two new international friendship cities, bringing Shaoxing's partnerships to a total of 59 cities from 29 countries. Agreements for 10 collaborative projects in areas such as trade, education, and culture were signed at the event.

The conference featured keynote speeches and thematic dialogues, where experts and international city representatives exchanged insights on topics including industrial transformation, intelligent productivity, urban governance, and sustainable development. 

Cecilia Andersson, a project management officer from the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), said, "We need to shift from linear to circular economies and from fragmented planning to integrated urban systems. This is fundamental to competitiveness, economic resilience, and a better quality of life."

Guests experience Shaoxing's technology projects. [Photo/The 6th Shaoxing International Friendship Cities Conference]

During the conference, Shaoxing launched the International Inbound Tourism Partnership Program. Delegates were organized into smaller groups to tour local industrial bases and cultural landmarks, gaining an in-depth understanding of the city's development and heritage.