Sino-German Mayors' Summit held in Beijing

The 4th Sino-German Mayors' Summit was held in Beijing on Thursday with the theme of "transformation of economic structure and sustainable development".

Chen Zhong, chief engineer of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, said in the commencement that China would continue to experience fast urbanization in the next 10 to 20 years.

"Due to the extensive mode of economic development, China has displayed shortages in land, water and energy, which will constrain further urbanization. As a way out, China should make changes in its development mode, hold on to sustainable development and be environmental friendly," Chen said.

He emphasized innovation in urban planning and called for the use of clean energy.

Chen said that Sino-German cooperation will bring benefits to both sides.

Tao Siliang, vice-president of the China Association of Mayors, said China and Germany can seek a common ground while reserving differences.

"I believe that through cooperation and exchanges, mayors of the two countries will learn more from each other in building better cities. I hope to see more sister-city partnerships," he said.

Dr Ute Schmidt, representative of the German Society for international Cooperation, as well as mayors from cities in both countries, including Yangquan, Zaozhuang and Pingdingshan in China and Cologne, Bonn and Leipzig in Germany, attended the conference.

The summit has been held annually since 2009 as an achievement of long-term cooperation between the two countries. It has been held in Dusseldorf, Shanghai and Bonn.