Participants in the 9th Hangzhou International Day join the exchange and matchmaking event after the opening ceremony. [Photo/The 9th Hangzhou International Day]

The 9th Hangzhou International Day opened on Sept 5 in Zhejiang province, bringing nearly 200 representatives from 24 countries, nine international organizations, international friendship cities, businesses, foreign residents, and young people to West Lake.

Established in 2018, Hangzhou International Day is held annually on Sept 5 to commemorate the closing day and communique of the 2016 G20 Hangzhou Summit and promote the city's internationalization.

This year's event saw five new members join the UCLG-ASPAC Committee on the Belt and Road Local Cooperation, including Italy's Valpolicella tourism region and Milano Fashion Institute.

Paula Llobet, deputy mayor of Valencia, Spain, expressed that the city aims to strengthen its partnership with Hangzhou in areas like technology, education, and sustainable development, encouraging greater collaboration among cities, universities, and institutions.

Several cooperation projects were also signed, covering cultural exchange, art and design, digital innovation, and talent development. Yuhang district renewed a friendly exchange agreement with Auburn, United States, while institutions including China Academy of Art and Hangzhou Talent Group reached new cooperation agreements with international partners.

Hangzhou has established economic and trade ties with more than 200 countries and regions, with 140 Fortune Global 500 companies investing in 243 projects in the city. The event reflects Hangzhou's growing openness and international connectivity.