Zheng Shanjie, Party chief of Ningbo (second, left), talks with German entrepreneurs during his visit to three European countries from Oct 22 to 31. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

A Ningbo government delegation headed by Zheng Shanjie, Party chief of Ningbo, concluded a ten-day tour to three European countries on Oct 31.

The delegation visited Stavanger in Norway, Goteborg in Sweden and Hamburg in Germany.

During a meeting with Christine Sagen Helgø, mayor of Stavanger, Zheng noted that Ningbo and Stavanger have maintained close links in multiple fields since the establishment of friendly relations 15 years ago.

He expressed hope that the two cities, under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, can expand cooperation in industry and smart technology research and broaden cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Helgø said that Stavanger values its friendship with Ningbo and expressed hope that both sides can develop together by taking advantage of their respective strengths in industry, resources, science, education and culture.

The delegation also met several business leaders and discussed cooperation opportunities in salmon land-based farming and garbage sorting.

At the tour's second stop, Goteborg in Sweden, Zhen met the city's mayor – Ann-Sofie Hermansson.

Zheng described the similarities between Ningbo and Goteborg, which is known as the main industrial center in northern Europe and gateway to Sweden. He expressed hope that the two cities can further deepen cooperation in industry, ports and shipping and promote cultural exchange.

The Party chief also met Volvo Cars chief executive Håkan Samuelsson while visiting Geely's R&D center in Goteborg.

In Germany, Zheng attended an investment promotion conference and witnessed the signing of six Sino-German cooperation deals.

He also met with Marcel Philipp, mayor of Aachen, and explored ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, science and education, healthcare, and personnel training under the BRI and signed a memorandum to further deepen friendly relations between the two cities.