On the morning of June 7, 2024, Prof. Zhou Hanmin, a Standing Committee Member of the CPPCC National Committee and Chairman of Shanghai Public Diplomacy Association, delivered a thematic lecture titled “Shanghai: Today and Tomorrow” to the Bangladesh Young Leaders Delegation to China 2024. The lecture was chaired by Prof. Chen Dongxiao, President of the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies.
Prof. Zhou began by outlining the fundamental aspects, strengths, and competitive edge of Shanghai, along with the city's commitment to becoming "five centers": an international economic center, financial center, trade center, shipping center, and science and technology innovation center. He then recounted the challenging journey and extraordinary accomplishments of Pudong's development and opening up over the past 34 years. When discussing the World Expo Shanghai 2010 and the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, Prof. Zhou vividly shared his firsthand experiences in planning and organizing these landmark events, offering the delegation invaluable insights and references. Additionally, he touched on the Lin-gang Special Area of the China (Shanghai) Free Trade Zone, the Hongqiao International Hub for Opening-up, the high-quality development of the Yangtze River Delta integration, and the essence of Shanghai's city spirit. He emphasized that inclusiveness, the pursuit of excellence, open-minded wisdom, and modest courtesy are the true reflections of the city’s spirit. Prof. Zhou warmly invited friends from Bangladesh and around the globe to visit, live, and work in Shanghai.
Following the lecture, an interactive session allowed for further exploration of the topics discussed. Delegation members eagerly posed questions on a wide range of topics, including foreign visitors to Shanghai, China's policies on opening up to the outside world, international trade and law, current China-U.S. relations, and China-Bangladesh relations. Prof. Zhou interpreted and answered each question in detail. The delegation responded with great enthusiasm to the lecture, noting that they found it highly inspiring and beneficial. The experience further solidified their resolve to enhance exchanges between China and Bangladesh, share successful experiences with each other, and mutually promote social development.
