NINGBO, CHINA, November 4 – Mayors and representatives from 20 cities across five continents have gathered in Ningbo, China, to explore new opportunities for international cooperation.
The 2026 Global Mayors Dialogue is taking place from November 2 to 5 in Zhejiang province. Representatives from 15 countries and regions are attending the event, alongside international organisations and business leaders.
The gathering aims to strengthen economic partnerships, improve global connectivity and encourage cooperation between cities.
Global cities explore new partnerships
The event carries the theme Openness and Connectivity for Shared Opportunities.
Participants include Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, Florence mayoral representative Enrico Ricci and Ahmed Wazeery, secretary-general of Egypt’s Suez Governorate.
Representatives from the United Nations Global Compact China and the BRICS New Development Bank are also attending.
The programme includes a main mayors’ dialogue, two discussion sessions and activities focused on cultural exchange.
Ningbo showcases its industrial and business strengths
During the event, international delegates visited several important locations in Ningbo.
These included Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, Ningbo Yaji Logistics, Ningbo PIA Automation Holding Corp and Peacebird Group.
The visitors also explored Dongqian Lake and the city’s historic Old Bund area.
The visits highlighted Ningbo’s development in port logistics, advanced manufacturing and automation technology.
Delegates also examined how smart factories and modern logistics systems could create new opportunities for international business cooperation.
14 cooperation projects signed
One of the main outcomes of the dialogue was the signing of 14 cooperation projects.
The agreements cover several areas, including economic and trade relations, education, science and technology, cultural tourism and friendly exchanges.
Among the initiatives are new friendly exchange relationships between Yuyao City in Zhejiang and Errachidia in Morocco.
Another agreement links Ningbo’s Yinzhou District with the Canton of Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray in France.
The event also introduced the Ningbo Consensus on Collaborative Development.
The document encourages cities to strengthen international connections, expand industrial partnerships and promote cultural exchanges.
It also highlights the importance of maintaining stable industrial and supply chains.
International leaders highlight the importance of cooperation
Joachim Moyse, vice-president of the Rouen Metropolitan Area and mayor of the Canton of Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray in France, highlighted the importance of dialogue and peaceful cooperation.
He said cities should continue working together, particularly when international challenges make cooperation more difficult.
Moyse also praised Ningbo’s approach to urban development, saying he hoped to share some of the city’s experiences with communities in France.
Ningbo connects global trade and cultural exchange
Located in eastern Zhejiang province, Ningbo is home to Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, which is recognised in the announcement as the world’s largest port by cargo throughput.
The city is also an important manufacturing and international trade centre.
Beyond business discussions, the programme includes exhibitions highlighting Ningbo’s connections with overseas communities and international partners.
A special cultural event at Tianyi Pavilion also brings together books selected by visiting delegates and collections from Ningbo’s Siming Library.
Through these activities, the Global Mayors Dialogue aims to build stronger relationships between cities through trade, culture, technology and people-to-people connections.
Source : PR NEWSWIRE | Rewritten By Minutesmy
