THE 2023 Shanghai-Taipei City Forum opened in Shanghai on Wednesday, with memorandums of exchange and cooperation signed in the fields of the exhibition industry, low-carbon initiatives and badminton.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng said that the theme of this year’s forum, “new trends, new development,” expresses the common expectations of Shanghai and Taipei for the continued promotion of the economic and social integration of the two cities.

“We will provide more effective assistance to Taiwan compatriots and enterprises, especially young people from Taiwan, for their development in Shanghai. We welcome more Taiwan compatriots to visit the mainland and Shanghai,” he said.

“We believe that as long as we pull together and work together, we will surely create a bright future for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” Gong said.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an said the forum not only plays a role in urban governance, but also carries significant importance for cross-Strait relations.

“Shanghai is a great city and Taipei is also very unique. We are twin cities advancing together in history. We are eager to do a good job in urban governance in the great times,” Chiang said.

“We need to find our way through difficulties and keep calm in the fog. Especially at this moment, we should cherish such pragmatic, rational and sincere dialogues,” Chiang suggested. “When the two cities can successfully resolve differences and eliminate antagonism, the chain effect of win-win will be unlimited. We have to be patient and confident.”

(SD-Xinhua)