CLC attends the China Development Forum in Beijing

ED/CLC Hugh Lim and DD/CLC Amanda Ong, with China Development Research Foundation Chairman Zhang Junkuo.

CLC’s Executive Director (ED) Hugh Lim, and his delegation, attended the annual China Development Forum (CDF) in Beijing, themed “Engaging with the World for Common Prosperity” in March this year. Organised by the China Development Research Foundation, the Forum offers insights into China’s development and aims to strengthen communications between China and the rest of world. Attendees included leaders of multinationals companies and representatives from international organisations.

ED/CLC Hugh Lim and DD/CLC Amanda Ong, hosted by Xicheng District of Beijing, Vice Mayor Wang Bo and the delegations from Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC).

As part of CDF, the delegation participated in several site visits. They visited the Beijing Financial District, where they were hosted at the ICBC Headquarters Financial Technology Exhibition, Financial Street Centre Sandbox, Hutongs streets and Beijing Fang. Here, they learned about the innovative development of China’s financial industry in its journey towards internationalisation; the history and achievements of China’s financial reform and development; and cultural preservation through restoring infrastructure in a historical style. The delegation also visited Shichahai, a historic scenic area known for the Qing Dynasty Prince’s Mansion, where they were briefed about Beijing’s efforts in urban rejuvenation and renewal of ageing infrastructure while preserving historic culture.

ED/CLC Hugh Lim and DD/CLC Amanda Ong, with Director-General Development Research Centre (DRC), Xu Wei (Left). ED/CLC Hugh Lim and DD/CLC Amanda Ong, with Vice Minister of Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (MOHURD) of the People’s Republic of China, Qin Haixiang (Right).

While in Beijing, the delegation took the opportunity to meet up with CLC’s counterparts from various Chinese agencies, namely, Vice Minister Qin Haixiang, Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development; Vice Mayor Gao Peng from the Beijing Municipality Government, Zhang Shilin, Deputy Secretary-General, National Development and Reform Commission; and Xu Wei, the Director-General, Development Research Centre (DRC). The delegation engaged in stimulating and informative conversations with our Chinese colleagues over a wide range of topics including research into the potential use of thermal energy for consumption, and digitalisation of carbon peaking, carbon emissions, optimising urban spaces, and rejuvenating ageing infrastructure.

CLC has had longstanding and close working relations with Chinese cities and agencies, including a MOU with the DRC. We look forward to further strengthening ties through knowledge sharing collaborations, visiting fellowships and participation at key platforms such as the CDF and CLC’s World Cities Summit.