Post-G20: Hangzhou Builds Stronger Ties with Southeast Asia – An Interview with Mayor of Hangzhou Zhang Hongming

CT: Now that 2017 has arrived, what expectations do you have for Hangzhou and its people? 

Zhang: First, I want to thank all citizens for their support of Hangzhou’s economic and social development, especially their support in guaranteeing the Summit. As for 2017, I have three expectations: 

First is a better city. With the aim to build an international city of distinct charm and glamor, we will magnify the “post-G20, pre-Asian Games” effect and carry forward the building of a city of culture and history, a city of innovation, a city of commerce, a city of better ecology, and a city of China quality. Taking the improvement of Hangzhou’s international level as a breakthrough, we will strive to build a more vibrant city with distinct characteristics. 

Second is more coordinated economic development. We will carry forward the strategy of innovation-driven development, implement major reform tasks and important reform pilot projects, and continue to create a favorable system. We will moreover create a new economic development engine, and expedite transformation of the economic development mode that will create a lasting development momentum. In the meantime, we will carry forward adjustments to the industrial structure, and strengthen the development drive. While maintaining high-speed economic development, we will also hasten the pace of upgrading existing industries to a higher level, so broadening economic, social and ecological benefits. 

Third is the people’s safer, wealthier life. We will adhere to the development concept whereby “waters and mountains are silver and gold,” and insist on integrating the beauty of manufacturing, of ecology, and of life. We will “protect, harness, and govern,” and consolidate the good environment engendered during the summit by creating a city that exemplifies “beautiful China.” We will also build the brand of an ecologically-friendly city, always put the people first, fulfill the duties of government according to law, and bring the market into full play. We will as well mobilize social forces in order to develop and share Hangzhou’s development with all citizens. 

CT: The series of interviews “Recall Hangzhou, Feel China” has started. We would like to invite you to say a few words to the people of Southeast Asia. 

Zhang: Hangzhou makes exquisite products like silk, ceramics, and tea, and was once an important hub along the overland and maritime Silk Roads, so significantly contributing to the development of China and the world. Guided by the Belt and Road Initiative, Hangzhou, as an international e-commerce city, is trying to achieve free, convenient, and standardized cross-border e-commerce. It may thus became cradle of the “Internet Silk Road” through systematic innovation, management innovation, services innovation, and coordinated development. Therefore, we sincerely hope Chinese people abroad and friends from Southeast Asia will continue, as always, to support Hangzhou, and come to Hangzhou to holiday, travel, and invest. We should strengthen exchanges and promote a closer and more effective open cooperation, and create a win-win situation, so together building a better future. 

Zhang Hongming believes the G20 Summit has opened the gate for Hangzhou to the world.