The 10th Hangzhou International Sister City Mayors Conference opened on Nov 5 in Zhejiang province. The event brought together mayors, council speakers, and city representatives from 27 cities in 18 countries, as well as diplomats, heads of international organizations, and Chinese officials.

At the opening ceremony, Hangzhou and Mbale, Uganda, signed a memorandum to promote friendly exchanges and cooperation. Mbale Mayor Kidulu Joyce Matuka said the two cities would explore collaboration in coffee trade, cultural tourism, industrial investment, smart city development, and people-to-people exchanges.

Hangzhou also signed new cooperation agreements, including a proposed partnership between Hangzhou Low-Carbon Science and Technology Museum and the Future Museum in Nuremberg, Germany, focusing on exhibitions and scientific research.

Three forums explored AI applications in urban governance, cultural tourism, and industrial development. Queenstown Mayor John Glover said cooperation with Hangzhou could combine its technological strengths with Queenstown's goal of becoming a model for sustainable electric tourism.

To date, Hangzhou has established sister-city ties with 31 international cities and friendly exchange relations with 53 others.