Europe and China form a partnership to enhance Urban Mobility

12 Chinese cities singed partnership agreements with European cities to improve urban mobility at the Second EU China Urban Forum this week.

Hundreds of mayors from cities in Europe and China, as well as academics and representatives from business gathered in Beijing earlier this week at the second EU China Urban Forum to discuss the future of urbanisation and to set out future cooperation activities.

Tianjin, Shenzhen are among the Chinese cities that have signed partnership agreements with European cities and organisations during the forum.

EU Vice President in charge of transport, Siim Kallas stressed the importance of cities as places of exchange – in both goods and ideas. He added that cities will be the drivers of economic growth this century but that they are at risk of deterioration which will make them unattractive, inefficient and socially divisive. Improving urban mobility will increase the accessibility and attractiveness of urban areas – but is a major challenge in both Europe and China.

“Together Europe and China can lead the way towards sustainable urbanisation and create a win-win situation for our citizens, business and the environment.”

The European Commission has agreed with the Chinese government to focus on co-operation in: public transport operations and management, congestion management, sustainable urban mobility planning and urban road safety.

Over the last year European and Chinese experts have collaborated to prepare policy recommendations to help the Chinese State Council set the right course for urban mobility in China. Kallas stressed that because of its rapid urbanisation and vast size, China has a particular responsibility and also a unique opportunity.

 “If China chooses the right path it can be a global leader in urbanisation and a model for rapidly urbanising countries throughout the world.”

Kallas urged the mayors present to try and bridge the gap between Europe and China to evade the problem of unmanaged urbanisation and build prosperous cities and be at the forefront of sustainable urbanisation.

“Together China and Europe can define the future of global urbanization, one of the most important issues of the 21st Century.”

The partnership will combine Europe’s excellent urban mobility expertise and technologies with China’s leading market for urban mobility goods and services.

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli stated that China needs to learn advanced concepts, technology and managerial experiences from European countries, while European countries will be able to expand the market of industries and products by participating with China’s urban construction.

The EU/China Urban Partnership was signed by European Commission President José Manuel Barroso on behalf of the European Union and its Member States in May 2012. The broad agreement aims to stimulate exchange and joint activities between experts, companies, politicians and public administrations.

 “Although China and EU are in different urbanization phases,” Barroso said, “they face similar challenges and have great space for cooperation.”