The 3rd World Internet Conference (WIC) announced partnerships with 14 major companies including Alibaba and BMW at a signing ceremony held on Oct 26 at Xizha scenic zone in Wuzhen, East China's Zhejiang province.

The selection of the 14 partners was carried out by Nanao Group, the agency authorized by the cyberspace administrations of China and Zhejiang province to handle the marketing and stakeholder relations for the conference.

Nanao selected 14 high-profile companies to fill various partnership roles from more than 80 candidates.

Alibaba, BMW Group (BMW China and BMW-Brilliance) and Foxconn were selected as the premium sponsors for the conference, while other sponsors include CEFC China, HNA Eco Tech, WiFi Master Key, China Reading and Yanghe Group. Six further companies will act as special supporters of the conference.

Around 1,200 Internet officials, experts and activists from China and abroad are expected to attend the 3rd WIC, which will be held in Wuzhen from Nov 16 to 18.

The theme of this year's conference is "Innovation-Driven Internet Development for the Benefit of All — Building a Community of Common Future in Cyberspace", with talks set to center on the Internet economy, innovation, culture, governance and international cooperation.

The active participation of the WIC's partners reflects the great attention and support the conference has gained from all sectors of the society, according to the WIC organizing committee. The WIC will pursue close cooperation with these partners for mutual benefit.

The 14 sponsors and supporters of this year's WIC are presented with gifts by the WIC organizing committee at a signing ceremony on Oct 26 in Wuzhen. [Photo by Chen Chuanquan]