On November 7, Liu Guangyong, deputy director-general of the Shanghai Municipal Foreign Affairs Office, met with Andrew Gwatkin, director of the International Department of the Wales Government, UK, and his party.

Liu Guangyong gave his guests an introduction to Shanghai’s achievements in development since the start of reform and opening up, particularly in scientific & technological innovation, the building of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, energy conservation, environmental protection and green economy. He said Shanghai will, in accordance with the requirements set by the report of the 19thNational Congress of the Communist Party of China, continue its efforts to be a fine pacesetter in the country’s reform and opening up and a pioneer in innovation-driven development. Wales enjoys advantages in the scientific & technological innovation, infrastructure construction, service and other areas, so the two sides can strengthen cooperation and exchange and share experience in these areas. Also, he called for wider and closer educational and cultural cooperation.

Andrew Gwatkin said this is his first visit to Shanghai and he admired Shanghai’s development scale and speed. Wales and Shanghai have many things in common and the two can have more pragmatic cooperation in areas such as smart city, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and scientific & technological innovation in the future.