The 2019 UCLG ASPAC Executive Bureau Meeting & Dialogue on International Cities' Economic and Trade Cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative open in Yiwu, Zhejiang province, on May 22. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

More than 360 representatives from governments, businesses, think tanks and scholars from UCLG ASPAC and 79 cities in 41 countries held in-depth discussions on trade and city development in Yiwu, Zhejiang province, on May 22.

The 2019 UCLG ASPAC Executive Bureau Meeting & Dialogue on International Cities' Economic and Trade Cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative is an event sponsored by United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG ASPAC), the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and the Belt and Road Local Cooperation (BRLC) Committee under the UCLG organization. Its aim is to gather participants' insights into trade opportunities and win-win development between global cities.

Wang Jian, mayor of Yiwu, makes a speech at the opening ceremony of the event on May 22. [Photo/zgyww.cn]

Wang Jian, mayor of Yiwu, the world-renowned trade hub in East China, explained the city's efforts to optimize its business climate at the opening ceremony. He said the construction of Yiwu International Trade Comprehensive Reform Pilot Zone, which began in January 2019, will bolster the transformation of Yiwu's industries and the city itself.

The mayor expressed his expectations that, via the event in Yiwu, more cities across the world would partner up and seek common development. Wang also pledged that Yiwu will further expand its "friend circle" under the Belt and Road Initiative and make contributions to international trade cooperation among global cities.