Beijing shares urban experiences in Berlin

A forum on urban governance and smart city planning was held in Berlin on May 19 as a part of the "Experience China" series cultural exchanges held during the 10th Berlin Asia-Pacific Weeks, Beijing Business Today reported.

Over 200 officials and experts from Beijing and Germany attended the forum and discussed their progress in urban governance as well as their doubts and concerns. Shen Jinzhen, head of the Research Department of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Planning, commented on Beijing's improvements in its urban planning through its focus on protecting historical blocks, benefiting the people and tackling challenges like population and environmental concerns.

Shi Mingde, Chinese ambassador to Germany, said that China is eager to share its experience in urban governance with Germany and Asia-Pacific countries as well as increase communication and enjoy the subsequent benefits, adding that the discussion between Beijing and Germany on smart cities and metropolitan solutions will bring bigger opportunities.

Georg Nuesslein, deputy chairman of Germany's Christian Democratic Union and the Christian Social Union(CDU/CSU) parliamentary group, said in regards to China's urban progress that no country in the world could compete with China in terms of rapid urbanization and innovative potential. Nuesslein added that China is worth learning from and further communication is significant for both countries in dealing with urban problems and sustainable development.

Beijing, a megacity facing problems of traffic, pollution and water shortage, wants to use the knowledge of Germany and other Asia-Pacific countries in urban development to make itself a more habitable city and bring benefits to its citizens, said Zhao Wenzhi, head of the Beijing delegation to the Berlin Asia-Pacific Weeks.

Since 1997, the Asia-Pacific Weeks (APW) have provided a forum for dialogue between Asia-Pacific countries and Germany with a focus on topics of global relevance. This year's forum discussed the future of Smart Cities. The APW is held every two years and began this year on May 18.

Shi Mingde (3rd R), Chinese ambassador to Germany, Zhao Wenzhi (3rd L), head of the Beijing delegation to the Berlin Asia-Pacific Weeks, and Georg Nuesslein, deputy chairman of Germany's Christian Democratic Union and the Christian Social Union(CDU/CSU) parliamentary group, deliver speeches at the forum. [Photo provided to China Daily]