The World Economic Forum of Future Automotive and Mobility Conference commences both online and on-site in Guangzhou on Dec 21. [Photo/WeChat account: GZWS411665430]

The World Economic Forum of Future Automotive and Mobility Conference commenced both online and on-site in Guangzhou on Dec 21.

Guests including three foreign minister-level guests and dozens of representatives from industrial think tanks and international organizations focusing on automobiles, transportation and energy were invited to share insights into the automobile industry and shed light on the future of the industry. 

Pressing issues such as industrial transformation with the help of smart internet networks, coordinated development of the automobile, energy and transportation departments as well as the future of autonomous driving were discussed. 

Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum Klaus Schwab said in a video speech that China is the world's biggest automobile market and now a global electric vehicle production center. 

Schwab pointed out that Guangzhou has achieved eye-catching results in recent years, especially in information technology, biomedicine, automobiles, and transportation, providing valuable experience for cities worldwide. 

The world's first demonstrative district for unmanned tail-end logistics distribution applying autonomous driving will be located in Guangzhou's Huadu district. Applications of unmanned distribution will be available in several schools, industrial parks, scenic areas, communities and commercial areas in Huadu in the future. 

A tripartite strategic cooperation and investment contract is inked by GAC Group, WeRide and Ontime. [Photo/WeChat account: GZWS411665430]

A tripartite strategic cooperation and investment contract was inked by GAC Group, WeRide and Ontime to set up a Robotaxi fleet for commercial operation in the coming years, providing safe, cheap and green autonomous driving experience for passengers. It is expected that the Robotaxi will hit Ontime's platform in 2022. 

Huadu district, the only international hub featuring both railways and aviation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, is an industrial base for Guangzhou's advanced manufacturing and the biggest international automobile base in South China.

Efforts have been made by the district in pushing forward autonomous driving and smart transportation. The district will build 150 kilometers of autonomous driving demonstration roads by 2023 and the whole district will be covered by autonomous driving by 2025.