The 2025 BRLC Open Day was successfully held in Hangzhou on December 2, bring together around 120 Chinese and international guests. Participants included representatives from the UCLG-ASPAC Secretariat, the Italy-China Link Association, BRLC members, international organizations, universities, enterprises, and international students based in Hangzhou. They joined detailed conversations on urban internationalization, youth development, and multilateral cooperation.

This event was guided by the Foreign Affairs Office of Hangzhou Municipal People's Government, Hangzhou People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and UCLG-ASPAC Secretariat. Hosted by BRLC and co-organized by Shangcheng District People's Government, the event took place at venues including the Shangcheng District International Organization Cluster Center and the BRLC office building.

In the morning, the main forum was held at Shangcheng District International Organization Cluster Center, featuring sessions such as guest remarks, keynote speeches, government-university-enterprise dialogues, briefings on foreign talent policy, enterprise presentation, and international talent demand communication.

At the opening, Miao Chengchao, Vice President of BRLC, delivered a speech, reviewing the achievements of BRLC in boosting regional exchanges and cooperation, as well as enhancing connectivity among cities along the Belt and Road. He also noted the future development of the organization. Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, Secretary General of the UCLG ASPAC, and Ms. Zhang Yan, Secretary of the CPC Shangcheng District Committee, as well as Ms. Maria Moreni, Co-President of BRLC and President of Italy-China Link Association, successively delivered speeches. They expressed expectations for the BRLC to play a greater role in advancing multilateral cooperation and youth exchanges.

During the keynote speech, representatives from Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Science and Technology and the Entry-Exit Administration Brigade of Hangzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau explained the employment, entrepreneurship, and household registration policies for foreign talents in Hangzhou. They introduced the latest policy highlights and service paths, and displayed Hangzhou's firm determination to continuously optimize the business environment and build the international talent-friendly city.

Afterwards, representatives from Hangzhou Haixing Electric Power Technology Co., Ltd. and Hangzhou Normal University respectively presented international employment needs of enterprises, foreign talent cultivation mechanism, and job resources, to further build a bridge of communication between the government/university/enterprise and international talents.

At the unveiling ceremony, the Belt and Road Local Cooperation and Exchange Center, the Hangzhou-Dresden Liaison Office, and Zhejiang Institute for Urban Internationalization were officially inaugurated. The Memorandum of Cooperation signed between BRLC and its partners was shown on the site. This highlights BRLC's commitment to serving as an inclusive platform, fostering stronger ties among foreign-related institutions to drive international exchange and cooperation.

The afternoon's visit activity was themed by "international youth visiting Hangzhou". Foreign guests toured the BRLC office building, Twenty-three Lanes, and Qiantang River Financial Harbor Service Center. They explored the cultural landmarks and innovative development frontiers of Hangzhou to feel the inclusive charm and vitality of this city.

During the visit, interactive activities, such as intangible cultural heritage experience, cultural performance, and traditional sports, were launched. Guests had a sense of identification and emotional connection with Hangzhou through such relaxing activities. Samodumska Polina, an international student of Ukraine studying at Hangzhou Normal University, said, "On the Open Day, I heard many wonderful presentations, and discovered a lot of new opportunities during the communication with enterprises. Through intangible cultural heritage experiences and visits, I have a deeper understanding of Hangzhou's history, culture and technological development."

Miao Chengchao said, "The Open Day is not only a platform for BRLC to show itself, but also an important window for us to make a dialogue with the world and create the future together with young people." He emphasized that, BRLC would continue to uphold the concept of "openness, cooperation, sharing, and mutual benefit", expanding its platform, making more friends, strengthening collaboration, and enabling more cities, institutions and young people to find opportunities, build connections, and realize their dreams here.

As one of the annual brand activities of BRLC, the BRLC Open Day has gradually become an important window to showcase urban internationalization achievements and promote the exchange and cooperation among diversified entities. The 2025 Open Day features enhanced content planning, broader topics, and expanded participation, with a strong focus on youth development, urban dialogue, and collaboration among government, universities, and enterprises. It embodies BRLC's long-term vision of fostering multilateral cooperation and empowering the growth of young people.

One day before the Open Day, the 2025 BRLC Council Meeting convened to review and approve the 2023-2025 work report and future work plan. The meeting clarified the strategic goals of further deepening local cooperation, supporting youth development, and showcasing the city's story. Looking ahead, BRLC will continue to serve as a bridge and link among cities, institutions and talent resources. This will strengthen and solidify local cooperation, injecting more urban wisdom and youthful energy into the joint building of the "Belt and Road".