The Leading Group for Improving Beijing's Role as the Center for International Exchanges convened a plenary meeting to deliberate on such issues as the Key Tasks of the Leading Group for Improving Beijing's Role as the Center for International Exchanges in 2023, Work Plan for Improving the Functions of Yanqi Lake International Convention Center, and Work Plan for Making Beijing's Online Services More Internationalized. Yin Li, Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Beijing Municipal Committee and Head of the Leading Group presided over the session. Yin Yong, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, Mayor of Beijing, and First Deputy Head of the Leading Group; Liu Wei, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee and Deputy Head of the Leading Group; and Sun Shuxian, Deputy Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee and Deputy Head of the Leading Group, attended the meeting.
According to the meeting, momentous changes not seen in a century are accelerating across the world. Under such new circumstances, Beijing assumes greater responsibilities and heavier tasks to meet the overall diplomatic interests of the Party and the country. Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, we should maintain firm strategic resolve in giving full consideration to both domestic and international imperatives, in responding to Covid-19 and pursuing economic and social development in a more coordinated way, and in better ensuring development and security, thus opening a new chapter in improving Beijing's role as a center for international exchanges.
The meeting emphasized that, to ensure services of the highest standards for the major diplomatic events held in Beijing, a command system featuring unimpeded coordination and efficient communication will be strengthened. More quality venues with distinct features will be tapped for diplomatic activities. To further enhance the carrying capacity of facilities for international exchanges, we will continue to enhance the spatial layout of the "One Core, Two Axes and Multiple Areas" under the guidance of the city master plan, better integrating the role of Beijing as the center for international exchanges with the city's planning and construction. As an ongoing effort to improve the environment of traditional venues for national events, we will advance the planning and construction of the museum complex in Dahongmen and the South Central Axis International Culture and Technology Park, and the infrastructure construction around the fourth embassy zone. The renovation of the second phase of the China National Convention Center will be accelerated. The competitiveness of the two aviation hubs, the gateway for international exchanges, will be enhanced.
The meeting called for continued efforts to develop a high-quality international environment. More foreign-related public services will be accessible. Communities for international talent communities will be built. International education and healthcare services will be improved. Beijing will be built into an international consumption center with an improved environment for international consumption and recreation. Efforts will also be made in building international communication capacity and pursuing high-standard opening up. Capacity for attracting global resources will be enhanced to better serve and incorporate into the new development dynamic. The policies for the "two zones" initiative shall be utilized to help launch more landmark and leading foreign-funded projects. The China International Fair for Trade in Services, ZGC Forum, and Financial Street Forum will be more internationalized. International exchanges and cooperation in science and technology will be strengthened to gather international high-end production factors.
As stressed at the meeting, Yanqi Lake International Convention Center is an important venue for diplomatic events and major national events, hence a stronger sense of responsibility and urgent actions are needed to improve its overall function. With a systematic mindset, both infrastructure and services will be upgraded, and resources of all kinds in the region will be consolidated for good use. Interdepartmental coordination will be strengthened to see that all competent authorities fully implement the plan, and the Huairou District Government fulfills its responsibilities as the local authority.
Furthermore, it was underscored that better online international services hold the key to convenient foreign-related government services and a world-class business environment. Following a demand-driven approach, the priority should be addressing the most pressing issues of foreign businesses and individuals and providing more services that are easy to access. More foreign-related policies will be published in foreign languages. To build Beijing into a pacesetter in the digital economy, we will take a coordinated approach to build an integrated international online service platform covering all areas and all stages with multiple channels. The multilingual official government website will be the main portal.
The attendees also deliberated on the "List of Supportive Measures of Members from the Central Party and Government Departments of the Leading Group for Improving Beijing's Role as the Center for International Exchanges (2023)", heard the the "Monitoring and Evaluation Report of Improving Beijing's Role as the Center for International Exchanges in 2022", and reviewed in writing the work reports of both the Leading Group and each task force in 2022, the key points of work in 2023, and the proposed list of the Leading Group members.
Leaders of relevant central departments and Beijing Municipality, including Li Fei, Lu Yingchuan, Sun Meijun, Mo Gaoyi, Xia Linmao, Zhao Lei, Liu Yuhui, and Sima Hong attended the meeting.
(Written by: Qi Mengzhu, Fan Junsheng)
