BMC and Shanghai Municipal People's Congress Reinforce Partnership to Bolster Human and City Growth through Signed Agreement
Thailand-China: Revamped Urban Cooperation
It's noon in China (June 17, 2025) - the Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) and the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress (SMPC) renewed their memorandum of understanding (MoU) to amp up cooperation on human and urban development.
Leading the BMC delegation, Chairperson Surachit "Dr John" Phongsinghvithya, paid a visit to Huang Lixin, Chairwoman of the SMPC. The special occasion was marked by a formal signing ceremony to renew the MoU on friendly exchanges and cooperation between the two legislative bodies. Representatives from the SMPC were present as witnesses.
Going back 26 years to the original agreement signed in 1999, this renewed commitment continues to focus on mutual exchange of knowledge in local legislation, urban governance, economic and social development, and capacity building for citizens of both metropolises.
Dr John shared his sentiments during the ceremony, expressing his honor to lead the council members to Shanghai once more and reaffirm the shared commitment to sustainable urban advancement. He praised Shanghai's vibrant and fast-growing creative scene, while acknowledging Bangkok's potential for growth.
"This partnership promotes a bridge, connecting both cities in the development of our people and urban landscapes, fostering opportunities for learning, exchange, and growth in this era of change," Dr John emphasized.
This renewed cooperation happens to coincide with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, serving as a testament to a deep and enduring friendship. Moreover, it underscores the significance of city-to-city collaborations in driving shared progress. Dr John noted, "Although Bangkok and Shanghai differ in geography, culture, and urban structures, our goal remains the same - to foster livable cities for our people."
Further collaborations will center on smart city governance, environmental management, youth development, and the promotion of local legislators' roles in improving citizens' quality of life. The BMC and SMPC will continue to support each other in reaching their urban development goals.[1]
Recently, the BMC team visited Shanghai (June 16-20, 2025) to study Shanghai's advanced waste separation and environmental management systems. The delegation explored the use of electric waste collection vehicles as an alternative to traditional garbage trucks and discussed the enforcement of environmental laws. Back in Bangkok, the BMC team hopes to apply these innovativeapproaches to enhance waste management and sustainability efforts.[2]
The BMC councilors also engaged with various Shanghai agencies on community legal access, urban planning, transportation, culture, and tourism. Gathered insights will be integrated into the operational strategies of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).[2]
Ultimately, the cooperation between BMC and SMPC remains strong and active, focusing on sustainable urban advancement and smart city innovations. As part of the future plans, the BMC aims to apply Shanghai's best practices in environmental management and urban governance to improve Bangkok's livability and sustainable development.[1][2]
- [1] Enrichment Data: Source 1
- [2] Enrichment Data: Source 2
- Human Resource
- urban development
- MOU
- The cooperation between the Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) and the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress (SMPC) is not limited to urban development; it also involves exchanges in politics, economics, culture, and environmental management.
- As part of their renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the BMC and SMPC are planning to focus on smart city governance, youth development, and promoting the roles of local legislators in improving citizens' quality of life.
- The diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, celebrating their 50th anniversary, serve as a foundation for strengthened urban cooperation, particularly in areas like business, culture, and environmental management, as both cities strive for sustainable development.
