Chinese vice premier calls for stronger ties between Pittsburgh, Chinese cities

Chinese cities should further their ties with Pittsburgh and learn from the U.S. city, Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong said here Friday.

During talks with the mayor of Pittsburgh, William Peduto, Liu praised the successful transformation of the city from an industrial giant into a green, livable and innovative city.

Liu noted that China is now undergoing a profound economic transformation and upgrade and in this respect, Pittsburgh offers a lot of experience in sustainable development to Chinese cities which rely on natural resources and industry.

The vice premier expressed the hope that Pittsburgh can further its communication and cooperation with Chinese provinces and cities.

Meanwhile, Peduto shared the process and experience of Pittsburgh's changes with Liu, saying innovation and cooperation are key to a successful transformation, as proven by Pittsburgh.

Peduto stressed that Pittsburgh values the relationship with its Chinese partners and it is willing to cooperate with them on high technology and environmental conservation and governance.

Liu, who arrived here on Thursday, also visited the Confucius Institute at the University of Pittsburgh and attended a ceremony for the 10th anniversary of the Chunhui Cup Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition for Overseas Chinese Students.

After her trip to Pittsburgh, Liu will visit Houston, Texas on Sunday, and then move on to Washington, where she will co-chair the sixth Consultation on People-to-People Exchange (CPE) event with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. Enditem