To build a more international Changchun with a high-quality business environment and improve the city's services for foreign enterprises and expatriates, the Municipal Foreign Affairs Office hosted the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Consultation Association of Expatriates in Changchun on February 19. Nearly 20 expatriate representatives from various sectors in the city attended the meeting. The event also featured Director Xue Chunzhi and Deputy Director Ou Shuo of Changchun Municipal Foreign Affairs Office, along with relevant leaders from agencies including Changchun Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Changchun Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, the Division of Foreign Experts Affairs of Changchun Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, Entry-Exit Administration of Changchun Public Security Bureau, Changchun Administration of Government Services and Digital Construction, and Jilin Guojin Hospital.

At the meeting, relevant agencies introduced Changchun's development situation. Changchun Municipal Development and Reform Commission presented a detailed report on the city's economic and social development in 2024. Changchun Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism introduced the development of the city's cultural tourism industry and related key projects and activities planned for 2025, while Jilin Guojin Hospital introduced the Changchun International Medical Service Platform project.
Ildiko Murray, President of the association, and Kenmoto Hiroshi, Japanese Vice President of the association, delivered speeches. They shared their thoughts and experiences of living and working in Changchun over the past year. Ildiko Murray expressed her honor in serving as the president. She described Changchun as more than just a place on the map—it's a vibrant blend of diversified cultures, traditions, and stories. Additionally, she emphasized the association's commitment to acting as a bridge to facilitate international cooperation and cultural exchange and join hands to create a promising and prosperous future for Changchun.

During the subsequent interactive session, expatriate representatives raised questions on various topics, including living services, work visas, residence permits, cultural and sports activities, the business environment, and investment attraction. Attending leaders from relevant agencies provided detailed responses and they had discussions on these topics.

At the end of the meeting, Xue Chunzhi reviewed the association's achievements in 2024 and expressed the commitment to providing better services and broader development opportunities for foreign friends by optimizing the business environment, expanding areas of cooperation, and building communication platforms under the principles of "open cooperation and mutual benefit". He also encouraged all foreign friends to join hands with the association to propel the city's prosperity and progress by utilizing their strengths, actively supporting the city's development across various fields, and collaborating with people from all sectors. He welcomed them to share in the achievements and glory of Changchun.
The successful hosting of this annual meeting has provided strong support for expatriates living and working in Changchun while injecting new vitality into the city's internationalization efforts and further showcasing its openness and inclusiveness.
The event was also attended by officials from the Divisions of American and Oceanian Affairs, Asian Affairs, German Affairs, and Japanese Affairs, and the Secretariat of Changchun Municipal Foreign Affairs Office.

Source: Division of American and Oceanian Affairs of Changchun Municipal Foreign Affairs Office     Editor: LI Ye