China, Germany hold think tank symposium on urbanization

The third Germany-China (Baotou) Urbanization Symposium is held in Baotou, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on Sep 17. [Photo/China Daily]

The third Germany-China (Baotou) Urbanization Symposium was held in Baotou of North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region on Sep 17. The principle aim of the symposium was to explore urbanization's roles in the transformation of industrial cities.

Serving as an exchange platform between China and Germany, the symposium touched on various topics, such as the construction of livable cities, development of equipment manufacturing and training of professionals. It aimed to promote cooperation opportunities between enterprises and boost the urbanization, transformation and upgrading of industries in the region.

The symposium will facilitate the opening up of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region and Baotou city, enhance the mutual cooperation between China and Germany, and accelerate the development of urbanization.

It will also promote the construction of the modern equipment manufacturing industry and Sino-Germany Equipment Industrial Park, as well as the international exchange and cooperation on professional education.

Known for its steel and rare earth resources, Baotou is growing into a modern industrial city with a series of advantaged industries, including steel, equipment manufacturing, aluminum, rare earth, power and coal chemicals.

The city has a total population of 2.8 million and an urban population of 2.3 million. The symposium acts as a good opportunity for Baotou to learn from Germany - a prominent member of the EU with rich experience in urbanization and industrialization.