BRLC Open Day highlights global cooperation in Hangzhou

Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, chief executive officer of UCLG Asia-Pacific Section, delivers remarks at the event. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

The second Open Day of the UCLG Belt and Road Local Cooperation Committee (BRLC) was held in Hangzhou on Dec 2, bringing together around 120 guests from international organizations, member cities, universities, enterprises and the local expatriate community.

Leaders including Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, chief executive officer of UCLG Asia-Pacific Section, and BRLC Co-president Maria Moreni delivered remarks, emphasizing BRLC's growing role in multilateral cooperation and youth exchange.

Hangzhou's science and public security departments introduced updated policies on employment, entrepreneurship and residency for foreign talent, underscoring the city's commitment to building a world-class, talent-friendly environment. Local companies and universities also shared insights on international recruitment and training.

Foreign students in Hangzhou spoke highly of the city's innovation-driven atmosphere. Salikhov Akbar from Uzbekistan, currently studying at Hangzhou Normal University, noted that Hangzhou's tech ecosystem — from DeepSeek to Alibaba — offers a strong environment for learning and growth.

Hangzhou has been ranked one of China's most attractive cities for foreign talent for 15 consecutive years, with expatriates playing an increasingly vital role in local innovation and development.

BRLC representatives said the open day has become a key platform for international dialogue and youth cooperation. This year's event also marked the unveiling of the Belt and Road Local Cooperation Exchange Center, the Hangzhou-Dresden Liaison Office and the Zhejiang Institute for Urban Internationalization.

In the afternoon, international guests visited BRLC headquarters, historical neighborhoods and the Service Center for Qiantang River Financial Harbor to explore Hangzhou's culture and innovation landscape.