Nanyang shall take the 2019 World Federation of Rose Societies (WFRS) Regional Convention as an opportunity to develop its economy, improve people's lives and expand the city's presence, Nanyang Party chief Zhang Wenshen said at a meeting attended by local officials on Feb 7.

Zhang said improvements should be made on facilities and services to beautify Nanyang, adding that its rose breeding shall be developed into a characteristic industry and a main source for farmers' increasing incomes.

Zhang urged that officials should take the initiative to shoulder their responsibilities in planning and government departments involved shall make thorough plans to ensure the event a success.

All walks of life will be encouraged to take part in the preparatory work with a committee and a command to be established, he noted.

Officials attending the meeting included Huo Haosheng, Wang Zhihui, Yang Qichang, Liu Chaorui, Yuan Yongsheng, Shi Anping, Jing Jinsong, Wang Baohua, Zhang Shengqi, Zhang Fuzhi, Yang Yun, Wu Gang and Fan Shuangxi.

The World Federation of Rose Societies, founded in 1968, is a non-commercial international organization with 41 member countries, including the United States, France and China. It aims to popularize information about roses worldwide.