From May 26th to 30th, the 9th Chinese-German Young Leaders Conference, with the theme of “Building Bridges: Enhancing Chinese-German Collaboration for a Sustainable Future” and co-organized by the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA) and the Global Bridges e.V., was successfully held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Nearly 40 young leaders from government, business, academia, media and other sectors of the two sides conducted candid and in-depth exchanges on the topics of “Retrospect and Prospect: 10 Years for China-Germany comprehensive strategic partnership”, “Chinese, German economy and their business relationship in the changing world”, “Green and digital transition: opportunity for both Chinese and German development” and “Global challenges and Chinese-German wisdom”. The young leaders deepened their understanding about the economic and social developments of China and Germany, built trust, cleared up misunderstandings and enhanced their friendship in communication through various activities including ice-breaking, visits, seminars and panel discussions.

During the Conference, relevant leader of Zhejiang Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries hosted a welcoming banquet for the delegation. The delegates visited Elektrisola and Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, where they gained first hand knowledge of the cooperation projects between China and Germany. They paid visits to Alibaba, Zeekr Intelligent Factory, Xiaogucheng Village and West Lake to witness China’s economic and social development, especially green development. They also toured the Xiling Seal Engraver’s Society where they tried the Chinese traditional art of seal engraving. Ms. Zhang Lu, Deputy Secretary General of the CPIFA, headed the Chinese delegation to attend the conference. 

The Chinese-German Young Leaders Conference was jointly launched by the CPIFA and the Global Bridges in 2012 and is held in China and Germany alternately every year. This year marks the 9th edition of the Conference.