A conference aimed at enhancing Ningbo's economic and trade relationships with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) takes place in the city on July 18. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

A conference aimed at enhancing Ningbo's economic and trade relationships with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) took place in the city on July 18.

During the conference, the Ningbo Council for the Promotion of International Trade signed memorandums of understanding with 17 economic and trade organizations from eight countries: Afghanistan, Armenia, Egypt, Laos, Macedonia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Poland. These agreements set the stage for nurturing mutually beneficial cooperation between Ningbo and business entities from these nations.

The event drew nearly 90 participants, including government officials and representatives from business associations and corporations in 15 BRI countries, who convened in Ningbo to explore the city's promising business opportunities.

Yan Weiguo, president of both the Ningbo Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the Ningbo International Chamber of Commerce, underscored, "Ningbo exudes vitality and dynamism, with its port serving as a crucial asset and its openness as a key strength. Backed by a robust manufacturing infrastructure, Ningbo plays a pivotal role in China's foreign trade landscape. We firmly believe that by expanding our network of allies and broadening our collaborative horizons, we can achieve even greater outcomes!"

At present, Ningbo has fostered friendly relations in various capacities with 114 cities across 58 countries worldwide, with 61 percent of them participating in the BRI.