Urban friends, urbane discussions

The two-day 2012 China International Friendship Cities Conference opened on Sept 12 in Chengdu with the theme "happy city and green living".

The conference, one of China's highest-level sister city exchanges, attracted delegations from 49 countries. More than 700 representatives from 95 foreign cities and 90 domestic cities attended the conference on Sept 12.

Delegates discussed their understanding on hot issues concerning cosmopolitan development, city transformation, emergencies and disaster relief, the aging of urban populations and investment.

On Wednesday delegates will have a seminar on city development as well as a forum on regional cooperation.

During the event, the host city Chengdu will officially sign agreements with its new sister cities Perth and Maastricht during a special ceremony in the afternoon.

It will also discuss a tourism alliance with its twin cities and try to reach a final agreement on the Chengdu Declaration that promotes tourism cooperation among the sister cities.

Established in 2008 and co-sponsored by Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China International Friendship Cities Association, the CIFCC provides a multilateral venue for local governments, their sister cities, and other international organizations to work together.

It is the first time the biennial conference is held in a city in the western region of China.

According to Li Liguo, secretary-general of the China International Friendship Cities Association, Chengdu is a prominent city in western China and choosing it as the host provides a role model for other cities in the inland region.

With its number of hotels and vibrant exhibition industry, Chengdu is expert in big international conferences and most qualified to host the event, Li said.

liyu@chinadaily.com.cn