The Global Youth Business Program UCLG ASPAC Session opens in Yiwu, Zhejiang province on May 23. [Photo/WeChat account: yiwuwaishi]

The Global Youth Business Program UCLG ASPAC Session took place in Yiwu on May 23.

The event, hosted by the Yiwu government and the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) Asia-Pacific, was attended by Wang Wei, vice-mayor of Yiwu, and Wu Dan, director of the foreign affairs office of Yiwu.

Wang emphasized the importance of strengthening exchanges and mutual learning between Yiwu and the Asia-Pacific region's vibrant youth community. He hopes that the "World Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center" will be established in Yiwu.

Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, secretary-general of UCLG Asia-Pacific, commended the immense network of local governments facilitated by UCLG, encompassing over 240,000 cities and local authorities worldwide.

She lauded Yiwu's visionary investment in its future and praised the city's approach, which leverages its local strengths while actively seeking global cooperation and development.

She said the youth business program's emphasis on social responsibility and sustainable development embodies Yiwu's commitment to fostering an open, shared, and efficient business environment.

Representing young participants, Albertus Erwin Susanto expressed his gratitude for the program and acknowledged the exceptional opportunities it offered. He expressed his enthusiasm for and commitment to contributing their collective efforts to forge a shared destiny for the Asia-Pacific's dynamic youth.

Yiwu's youth business program first commenced in 2018 and the Asia-Pacific Edition is the program's 10th iteration. The program has so far attracted participants from more than 60 countries and regions, benefiting over 300 outstanding young entrepreneurs.