The opening ceremony of the China-Europe Forum on Beautiful Countryside is held in Deqing county, Huzhou, Zhejiang province, on Oct 18. [Photo/WeChat account: huzhoufabu]

The China-Europe Forum on Beautiful Countryside commenced in Deqing county, Huzhou, Zhejiang province, on Oct 18.

A total of 200 representatives from 11 countries, four international organizations, enterprises, and non-governmental organizations engaged in discussions on the theme "Join hands for building beautiful and harmonious countryside in China and Europe".

The release of the "Deqing Initiative of the China-Europe Forum on Beautiful Countryside" was a highlight of the event. This initiative focuses on advancing rural development through strategies including low-carbon initiatives, public service enhancements, and international cooperation.

Wang Quanhui, chief expert of the Rural Energy and Environment Agency at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, emphasized the forum's role as a platform for China-Europe exchanges on beautiful countryside construction and project cooperation.

An official from the German regional development department praised Deqing's advanced rural infrastructure and digitalization, suggesting it as a model for rural Germany.