China–Thailand Forum on Urban Governance Innovation and Industrial Cooperation (Shanghai) Held in Jing’an
Shanghai Jing’an – September 4, 2025, 07:05
2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand. To further strengthen the profound friendship of “China and Thailand as one family” and promote closer cooperation, the China–Thailand Forum on Urban Governance Innovation and Industrial Cooperation (Shanghai) was held on September 2 at the Meiliyuan Grand Hotel in Jing’an District.
The forum was co-hosted by the Business Service Professional Committee of the Shanghai Modern Service Industry Federation and the Asian International Trade and Investment Association, and organized by the Jing’an District Chamber of Commerce and Shanghai QuanYu Business Consulting Management Co., Ltd. Over 100 participants attended, including members of the Shanghai Modern Service Industry Federation, the Asian International Trade and Investment Association, and the Jing’an District Chamber of Commerce, as well as a delegation of senior executives in urban development from Bangkok and representatives from Navamindradhiraj University of Thailand. Together, they discussed new pathways for urban governance innovation and international industrial cooperation between China and Thailand.
Remarks by Leaders
Ye Jianhua, Vice President of the Shanghai Modern Service Industry Federation and Director of its Business Service Professional Committee, emphasized that urban renewal is not only about transforming space and architecture, but also represents new opportunities for the modern service industry. By deeply integrating culture, green energy, environmental governance, and smart city development, the modern service industry is becoming a key driver of high-quality urban growth. He warmly invited new and old friends alike to visit Shanghai more often, strengthen friendships, and lay a solid foundation for future cooperation.
Yang Lanting, Vice Chairwoman of the Asian International Trade and Investment Association, stated that the friendship between China and Thailand has deep historical roots. The friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two peoples have become an international model. She stressed that this forum was not only a platform for exchange, but also a new opportunity for collaboration, bringing tangible benefits to the future development of both countries. She expressed hope that China and Thailand would further strengthen cooperation in modern services and other fields to jointly improve urban governance capacity.
Phichit Rattakul, Vice Chairman of the Council of Navamindradhiraj University and former Mayor of Bangkok, noted that as the core engine of China’s economy, Shanghai demonstrates to the world a development model that balances both speed and quality. He said that as sister cities, Shanghai and Bangkok share close ties, and the development model of Shanghai’s Nanjing West Road Functional Zone provides Bangkok and other Thai cities with a modern example of combining efficient management with human-centered care. He emphasized that Thailand has its own unique culture, social structures, and governance models, but the most important lesson is to learn from Shanghai’s “people-oriented” philosophy and adapt it to Thailand’s national and urban context, charting a path toward livable urban development with Thai characteristics.
Forum Exchanges
The Bangkok urban development delegation included representatives from Thai government agencies, universities, and enterprises. On the Chinese side, representatives from eight companies—including Jiubai Group, Suhewan Group, Daning Group, Jinggong Group, Changzhao Group, Colliers International, Bank of China Shanghai Zhabei Branch, and China Mobile West Shanghai Branch—were invited to participate.
During the exchange session, the head of the Nanxi Operation and Management Company introduced the development, operations, and future plans of the Nanjing West Road Functional Zone, highlighting the concepts of “Ying” (Win), “Yue” (Leap), and “Ran” (Ignite).
Navamindradhiraj University, a leading authority in Southeast Asia in the fields of urban governance, public policy, and sustainable development, actively engaged in the forum. Its faculty and students raised questions and engaged in lively discussions on topics such as urban construction and governance, the integration of culture and urban development, and the role of the modern service industry in driving economic growth. They expressed their intention to take the Nanjing West Road Functional Zone as a learning model and bring its successful development and management experience back to Thailand.
Reporter: Huang Xiaoqing
Editor: Ye Ping
Source: Jing’an District Chamber of Commerce
Please credit Shanghai Jing’an Official WeChat if reprinted.
