About the Forum | |
Mayors from China and New Zealand met in Xiamen, Fujian province, at the 1st New Zealand-China Mayoral Forum on Monday to further strengthen cooperation in tourism, education and primary industries. Twenty-five mayors from both countries participated in the forum, themed "Innovation and Development", and exchanged opinions about regional development trends. New Zealand was represented by 12 mayors from cities and towns around the country. | |
Ma Peihua, vice-chairman of the national committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said the mechanism plays an important role in strengthening bilateral relationships. "Government collaboration will strengthen ties in economic and cultural areas. It will help people in different countries have a better understanding of each other," said Ma.
| "The direct role that cities often play is to develop economic relationships. But the role of a city to develop people-to-people and cultural links is equally important. Sister city relationships are an important part of that," said John McKinnon, New Zealand ambassador to China. The second forum will be held in Wellington in 2017. |