Gordon Brown, former prime minister of the UK, delivers a keynote speech at the 3rd Qiantang River Forum, which concluded on Nov 3 in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province. [Photo/VCG]

The 3rd Qiantang River Forum concluded in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, on Nov 3, bringing together a number of professionals to discuss the coordinated development of finance, technology, and industry.

Nearly 200 leading figures in politics, international relations, finance, technology, and other industries attended the forum, where they discussed the national strategy of integrating the Yangtze River Delta region. 

Attendees discussed financial trends, digital economy, the science and technology innovation board, health care, risk management of staple commodities, and more. 

Fourteen activities, including forums, closed-door meetings, and exhibitions, were held during the three-day event. 

At the opening ceremony, Gordon Brown, former prime minister of the UK, commended the tremendous changes that had taken place in China. 

He said that he was impressed by China's rapid GDP growth of more than 6 percent per year over the past 30 years. 

The former prime minister also highlighted China's poverty-alleviation efforts, saying that China had made the unprecedented achievement of lifting 800 million people out of poverty over the course of 30 years. 

Brown believed that China would shift from a focus on manufacturing to finance to ensure future economic growth, adding that the process would require lots of research and many skilled workers.  

The 3rd Qiantang River Forum was sponsored by the governments of Zhejiang and Hangzhou.