Guangzhou held a reception for foreign consular corps on Sept 25, gathering officials from consulates general of 62 countries in Guangzhou.

Guo Yonghang, Party secretary and mayor of Guangzhou, said that Guangzhou has a 2,237-year history as a national historical and cultural city. Throughout history, it has been the political, economic, and cultural center of South China, as well as a major port and transportation hub for foreign trade. 

In the new era, Guangzhou's importance has become even more prominent in the overall development of the country, added Guo. The city's role on the global stage is also increasingly significant, showcasing vitality in promoting high-quality development.

Guo expressed hope that envoys in Guangzhou from different countries can make full use of their extensive connections and play a role as a bridge. He encouraged them to actively recommend high-quality enterprises to visit, exchange, invest, and develop in Guangzhou. This would further promote mutually-beneficial development between Guangzhou and their home countries at higher levels and in a wider range of areas. Moreover, Guangzhou will continue to provide excellent services and guarantees for foreigners in the city, bolstering lasting friendship.

Marshall Louis M. Alferez, the consul general of the Philippines in Guangzhou, expressed gratitude for the efficient and convenient services provided by Guangzhou. 

He stated that Guangzhou is a major participant in the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and is full of dynamic innovation. It attracts enterprises, business people, and talent from various countries to the city. 

He put forward that the foreign consular corps in Guangzhou will further promote friendly exchanges between their home countries and Guangzhou, deepen pragmatic cooperation in trade and investment, scientific and technological exchange, and friendship city partnerships, and achieve a higher level of mutually-beneficial cooperation.