The 2016 Mid-Autumn China and Foreign Countries Friendship Sodality was held in Shenyang on Sept 13, Liaoning Daily reported.

Sponsored by the Liaoning People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the sodality invited guests from a variety of fields to take part, including local diplomats and their families, representatives from foreign chambers of commerce, representatives from the chambers of commerce for both Hong Kong and Taiwan, and international students studying in Shenyang.

Xue Heng, vice-president of Liaoning Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, attended the sodality and delivered a speech.

He stressed that the central government will establish a pilot free trade zone in Liaoning, as a step to help revitalize industries in Northeast China. Liaoning should take advantage of this opportunity to push forward supply-side reforms, and promote industrial transformation and upgrading.

He also expressed his hopes that Shenyang could achieve more bilateral and multilateral cooperation with the Chinese regions and foreign countries, including on the economy, culture, education, trade, and science and technology.

In addition to the economic discussions during the event, all guests and participants enjoyed performances of traditional Chinese music.