China MIIT Invites Global Cities to Join New Industrial Revolution

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) of China has announced an exciting initiative aimed at inviting global cities to participate in a collaborative effort for the New Industrial Revolution.

The initiative, known as the Network of Partner Cities, seeks to enhance industrial cooperation among cities worldwide, focusing on areas including digital transformation, green development, collaboration in industrial and supply chains, and sharing innovation resources.

By enabling practical cooperation, the initiative aims to empower small and medium-sized enterprises and cultivate a skilled workforce capable of supporting these technological advancements through policy exchanges, experience sharing, industrial matchmaking, and talent exchanges.

Cities that are selected to join this initiative will be formally incorporated into the Network of Partner Cities during the BRICS New Industrial Revolution Partnership Forum set to take place in May 2026, a forum jointly hosted by MIIT and the Fujian provincial government.

The initiative represents a significant step in advancing the International Cooperation Initiative on New Industrialization, which encompasses collaboration among MIIT and industrial and communications authorities in 19 countries.

Based on the Action Plan for the International Cooperation Initiative on New Industrialization for 2025-2026, the focus lies in establishing productive industrial networks between cities, thereby facilitating the growth of the New Industrial Revolution.

Establishing cooperation at both city and cluster levels is critical for building a stable and resilient international industrial chain, allowing leaders from participating cities to engage in reciprocal visits to foster collaboration with their Chinese counterparts.

The International Economic and Technical Cooperation Center within MIIT will oversee the development of the network, ensuring a strong framework for cooperation.

This center has outlined a range of services for participating cities, including creating communication channels for cross-border cooperation, matching resources, organizing industrial exchange events, and providing guidance on international cooperation.

These initiatives aim to ensure the effective execution of projects under the Network of Partner Cities, paving the way for successful collaborations in the context of the New Industrial Revolution.

As global cities join this network, the scope for international collaboration in industrial technology and sustainable development is set to expand, potentially reshaping the future landscape of global industrial cooperation.