In a significant step to strengthen international ties, the latest IURC Asia & Australasia online session brought together Chinese pilot cities, European Union officials, and regional leaders to explore how smart city innovation, green energy, and sustainable industrial collaboration can drive long-term growth.
Part of the long-standing International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) programme, the meeting served as a platform for Chinese cities to present achievements in sustainable urban development and identify new opportunities for cooperation with European counterparts. Presentations highlighted innovative practices and future areas for collaboration, particularly in green infrastructure, digital transformation, and low-carbon urban planning, reinforcing the shared commitment to building sustainable and resilient cities across continents.
Beijing
Beijing presented its extensive international engagement and focus on becoming a global model for smart city development. With a population of nearly 22 million, the city emphasized its leadership in the digital economy, hydrogen energy, and clean transportation. Beijing aims to strengthen cooperation on joint demonstration projects, business matchmaking, and public-private partnerships in areas such as smart governance, data-driven mobility systems, and green infrastructure.
Tianjin
Tianjin highlighted its pivotal role as a gateway for the Belt and Road Initiative and as a key node along the New Eurasian Land Bridge. The city’s industrial strengths include petrochemicals, aerospace, aviation, and digital information. Tianjin seeks to expand its collaboration with European cities to advance sustainable industrial transformation, develop circular production models, and exchange expertise in smart logistics and urban resilience.
Chongqing
Located in western China, Chongqing showcased its role as a major manufacturing hub and education center. The city shared examples of successful cooperation with European partners in green manufacturing and automation and expressed interest in developing joint carbon-neutral technology projects. Chongqing’s future agenda includes broadening exchanges in sustainable transport and industry decarbonization.
Shenyang
Shenyang, the industrial and cultural heart of northeastern China, outlined its commitment to ecological modernization and international collaboration. The city’s Economic Development and Technology Area promotes zero-carbon industrial parks, renewable energy initiatives, and partnerships in vocational education. Shenyang also underscored cultural and social dimensions of cooperation, such as elderly care innovation and cultural tourism linked to the upcoming 15th National Winter Games.
Zhengzhou
Zhengzhou introduced its growing economy centered on new energy vehicles, high-end manufacturing, and cultural tourism. The city expressed strong interest in European cooperation on climate adaptation, cultural heritage preservation, and circular economy practices. Zhengzhou also positioned itself as a hub for integrating innovation and sustainability across industries.
Suzhou
As one of China’s cities with the most open-door platforms and the highest concentration of foreign investment, Suzhou has its pillar industries including electronic Information, high-end equipment and advanced materials. It has the intent of cooperation with European cities in terms of mobility & transport, circular economy and climate adaptation.
Guangzhou
Guangzhou, highlighted as one of the ideal destination and reliable partner for international business & investment, has its competitive industries including new energy vehicles, digital economy, new materials. It wants to explore cooperation opportunities among European cities in terms of mobility & transport, circular economy and social cohesion.
Wuhu
Serving as an important port along the Yangtze River, Wuhu’s thematic interests are mobility & transportation, circular economy and sustainable tourism.
Chengdu
As a pioneering exemplar of sustainable urbanisation, Chengdu is interested in these thematic clusters including climate adaptation, mobility and sustainable tourism.
Hangzhou
Famed for its UNESCO World Heritage West Lake and Alibaba, Hangzhou has its strength in tourism, cultural heritage protection and digital economy. It wants to deepen the cooperation with European cities in terms of smart city, social cohesion and strategic sector.
Next Steps
The session concluded with a shared commitment to deepen these city-to-city linkages. Plans were made to share presentations and continue exploring concrete cooperation opportunities at upcoming IURC events. The collective emphasis was on fostering patient, persistent, and consistent engagement to ensure the partnerships deliver tangible, sustainable benefits for both Chinese and European citizens. Preparations are also underway for in-person exchanges during the upcoming IURC Global Networking Event in Barcelona, where Chinese and European cities will refine joint project ideas and explore funding opportunities under the IURC Phase II framework.