Recently, a multi-party parliamentary delegation led by June Bohórquez Garcés, Vice President of the Andean Parliament, visited several districts in Beijing. Parliamentarians from Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia witnessed firsthand Beijing’s development achievements in the new era and its solid progress in Chinese modernization.

At the Exhibition Center of the Zhongguancun National Independent Innovation Demonstration Zone, the parliamentarians stopped to take a close look at various exhibits featuring cutting-edge technologies, and learned in detail about sci-tech innovation achievements in key fields such as artificial intelligence, commercial space, and high-end medical devices. They said that Beijing has strong momentum in innovation, and that Haidian District’s institutions and mechanisms for sci-tech innovation, as well as its full incubation-to-commercialization chain for sci-tech achievements, were highly impressive.

At the Fengtai District Government Service Center, the delegation visited various sections, including the 24-hour self-service hall, the “All-in-One-Go” government service counter, the international talent hub, and the smart government data center. They were briefed on the optimization of government service procedures, the deep integration of community-level governance with public services, and the development of smart government services. They also had in-depth exchanges with staff members on service procedures, data-driven governance, and mechanisms for public participation, learning about how whole-process people’s democracy has taken root at the primary level.

In Xinzhuang Village, Changping District, the delegation witnessed firsthand rural revitalization efforts and the integrated development of agriculture, culture and tourism. The parliamentarians visited a number of distinctive business venues, including a gift handicraft workshop, the Zhishi Bakery, the Rainbow Angel Cafe, and a wooden-house food street. They learned about Changping District’s efforts to leverage the 100+1,000 Villages rural revitalization program to promote industrial development and increase farmers’ income. The parliamentarians said that the visit deepened their understanding of China’s rural revitalization efforts and provided a valuable opportunity for both sides to further cooperate in relevant fields.

Further Reading

Established on October 25, 1979, the Andean Parliament serves as an advisory body of the Andean Community. Composed of five parliamentarians from each member state with a five-year term, it holds one regular session each year. Its headquarters and permanent secretariat are located in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia.