Wang Jingli

wangjingli0715@163.com

MORE than 30 legislators from 18 countries have arrived in Shenzhen for the 2023 Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges that will last until Friday.

The theme of the forum, held by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), is “Achieving Sustainable Development Together.”

This is the first time that the forum has been held in Shenzhen. The forum aims to build an institutionalized exchange platform for legislators who have a supportive attitude towards China, strengthen friendly exchanges among parliaments of participating countries by integrating the resources of legislators of different countries, and promote common development between the participating countries.

Shenzhen is referred to as the “window” on China’s reform and opening-up drive. Shenzhen is actively promoting sustainable development and firmly committed to green development, making it a perfect place for the forum, according to a media briefing held last night at the Civic Center.

Participants will visit local companies and a research institute, and will attend the forum’s opening ceremony and parallel sessions.

Today’s itinerary includes a visit to Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning in Futian District for an exhibition titled “Great Tides Surge Along the Pearl River,” which focuses on Guangdong’s economic and social development since China’s reform and opening up began in 1978.

Participants will then stop at Shenzhen Bus Group after getting a good view of the city by taking sightseeing buses operated by the group. This afternoon, forum participants will visit the Institute for International Affairs, Qianhai and take part in an exchange meeting there.

They will visit Shenzhen-based leading new energy vehicle manufacturer BYD tomorrow, as per the schedule.

The opening ceremony will be held at the Wuzhou Guest House in Futian District on Thursday.

After the opening ceremony, six parallel forums will be held to spotlight discussions on topics such as democracy, the rule of law, basic human rights, green and low-carbon strategies, innovative cooperation, and peaceful development.