A view of the Huangpu River in Shanghai. [Photo/VCG]
SHANGHAI: San Francisco and Shanghai – leaders in technology, finance and culture in their respective hemispheres – have unique opportunities to further deepen economic collaboration and mutual development, the mayor of the Californian city says at an event in Shanghai last weekend.
San Francisco looks forward to learning mutually with Shanghai in the fields of electric vehicles, artificial intelligence and medical technology, and strengthening exchanges about smart cities as well as green and low-carbon development, said London Breed, mayor of San Francisco, while leading a US delegation to meet with 80 domestic business leaders.
As one of the first pairs of sister cities in China and the United States, which began diplomatic relations 45 years ago, San Francisco and Shanghai are known for their vibrant economies and innovative spirit, and are a testament to the transformative power of openness and diversity, she said.
President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden laid out a future-oriented vision during their historic meeting in San Francisco in November.
“Shanghai, with its remarkable economic growth, thriving manufacturing sector and status as a global financial centre, mirrors many of the attributes that make San Francisco a fruitful place for investment,” Breed said at the event, which was organised by the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce and the San Francisco Bay Area Council.
“By working together, we can unlock new avenues for economic development, innovation and cultural exchanges that will benefit not just our cities, but also continue to help the global process,” she added.
John Grubb, chief operating officer of the San Francisco Bay Area Council, said the western US is a frontier – a place to try out new ideas and find a new life.
“Today, we see such similarities in Shanghai, the world’s newest frontier, especially for business development,” he said. — China Daily/ANN
