(Handout via Xinhua Daily)

The Jiangsu-Germany Dialogue 2024 was held in Changzhou with the theme of "Deep Integration and Green Development" on September 5, aiming to explore new opportunities in economic and trade cooperation, as well as cultural exchanges.

This year marks the fourth consecutive year that Changzhou has hosted the Dialogue. The event was co-hosted by the Changzhou Municipal People’s Government, AHK Greater China, and China-Germany Friendship Association.

Currently, Changzhou hosts 255 German-funded enterprises, making it a favourable destination for German investment in both the Yangtze River Delta region and nationwide.

In addition to economic and trade cooperation, Changzhou and Germany have also enjoyed fruitful cultural exchanges. Changzhou has established sister-city relationships with seven German cities. The city’s institutions, such as Changzhou University and Jiangsu University of Technology, have engaged in joint talent training and educational cooperation initiatives with German counterparts. The vocational colleges in Changzhou have also collaborated with German institutions to establish training centers.

The event included a business matchmaking session and witnessed the signing of agreements for 10 Sino-German projects in fields such as equipment manufacturing and biomedicine.

Changzhou aims to reduce its energy consumption per unit of GDP by more than 15% by 2025 compared to 2020 levels. To facilitate this goal, participants from both sides exchanged views on industrial chain integration and opportunities for green transformation.