Guangzhou holds two dialogues with representatives of foreign teachers and students in Guangzhou, as well as business representatives on July 16. [Photo/gzfao.gov.cn]

Dialogues with 15 representatives of foreign teachers and students in Guangzhou, as well as 22 representatives of foreign businesses were held on July 16, discussing solutions to issues like the resumption of work and education under COVID-19 prevention and control measures.

The events were hosted by Liu Baochun, director of the foreign affairs office of the Guangzhou municipal government. Liu also gave an overview of the city's current COVID-19 pandemic control situation and its socio-economic development.

Denis Bastieri, a teacher at Guangzhou University from Padova, one of Guangzhou's sister cities in Italy, attended. 

Bastieri highly praised the anti-COVID-19 pandemic measures taken by China and Guangzhou. He suggested that more exchanges among international sister cities should be carried out to boost communication and cooperation in the post-pandemic period.

Bastieri added that the University of Padova is willing to strengthen cooperation with Guangzhou University to build a bridge for friendly communication between Guangzhou and Padova, as well as between China and Italy.

Mark Thomas, principal of the British School of Guangzhou, noted that teachers and students that returned to Guangzhou from overseas earlier have shown understanding to Guangzhou's anti-COVID-19 pandemic measures. Thomas expressed his hopes that more teachers and students can return to Guangzhou safely before September.

Business representatives participating in the event expressed their gratitude for Guangzhou's efforts in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and in resuming production. 

Abdoul Zakou Mahamadou, chairman of the Nigerien Chamber of Commerce in China, said that China is now the safest place around the world and he suggested that more seminars could be held to enhance communication.

Participants of the dialogue with foreign teachers and students also toured the foreigner service station on Dengfeng Street in Yuexiu district. At present, Guangzhou has established 98 foreigner service stations, covering all 11 districts in the city.

Participants tour the foreigner service station on Dengfeng Street in Yuexiu district. [Photo/gzfao.gov.cn]