A river dialogue between Shanghai and New York was held on Friday, aiming to further cooperation across key areas of mutual interest of the two cities. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
A river dialogue between Shanghai and New York was held on Friday, aiming to increase cooperation across economic and trade, cultural exchange, waterfront development as well as other key areas of mutual interest of the two cities.
With the theme Common Ideals and Common Future, the event promoted discussion between government officials, business leaders and urban experts from the two global metropolises through three-panel discussions on economic and trade cooperation, cultural exchange and sustainable waterfront planning.
The Huangpu River for Shanghai and the Hudson River for New York have both witnessed the development and transformation of the cities, and these metropolitan areas blessed with waterways will help deepen ties between the East and West, said Sha Hailin, president of Shanghai Public Relations Association.
Zhou Hanmin, president of the Shanghai Public Diplomacy Association, mentioned that Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng and New York City Mayor Eric Adams signed a letter of intent for friendly cooperation in May, ushering in this new chapter of partnership.
"This exemplifies the vital roles our cities can play in promoting positive China-US relations through cooperation in areas like trade, technology, culture, urban development, environmental protection and people-to-people ties," Zhou said.
He Weiwen, former economic and commercial counselor at the Chinese Consulate General in New York, noted the resilience of bilateral trade despite tensions.
"No matter how strained China-US relations become or how severe trade frictions are, after a few quarters of decline, bilateral trade will rebound from the bottom up — a very flat growth curve over the long run. This is the reality underpinned by industrial complementarity and market-driven motives of enterprises in both countries to trade with each other," said He.
Over 20 experts from both countries participated in three-panel discussions on economic and trade cooperation, cultural exchange, and sustainable waterfront planning. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Eric Zheng, president of AmCham Shanghai, affirmed American companies' commitment to the Chinese market.
"The policies reaffirming China's opening up at the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC align with the policy stability that American companies in China seek and can significantly reduce reservations," said Zheng.
Shanghai has more foreign investment, foreign company headquarters, and R&D centers than other parts of China, said Sean Stein, chair of the Board of Governors of AmCham China, adding that there remains huge potential for mutual benefit in US-China economic and trade cooperation, and Shanghai and New York are key.
The enormous cultural and economic influence of these two cities plays an important role in connecting with the outside world, tightly linking the US and China, he said.
Jeffrey S. Lehman, executive vice chancellor of New York University Shanghai, highlighted how the university's international student body and values nurture natural bridges between both cities. "Our graduates in Shanghai or New York convey the shared spirit, professionalism, and vision for our common future."
Experts also shared best practices for creating livable, eco-friendly waterfronts while preserving heritage.
"Like the rippling waves across the Huangpu and Hudson, every accomplishment in the partnership between Shanghai and New York adds to the great river of China-US exchange and collaboration," Sha stated. "Through mutual understanding and cooperation as co-navigators along our rivers, our two great cities can forge an even brighter future together."
The event was organized by the Shanghai Public Relations Association, AmCham Shanghai and the Shanghai Institute of American Studies.
