On June 30, 2026, the launch ceremony and New York Forum for OUR WATER Season 3 were held at Bloomberg Headquarters in New York, marking a significant step in China-U.S. subnational cooperation. The event, themed 'Rivers of Opportunities,' brought together over 200 guests from political, business, finance, and cultural sectors to explore commonalities between Shanghai and New York, two global hub cities that have thrived on water.
Co-hosted by Bloomberg L.P., the forum featured key figures including Michael R. Bloomberg, Founder of Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies; Tang Zhiwen, Minister of the Embassy of the People's Republic in the United States; and Chen Yiqun, Director-General of Information Office of Shanghai Municipality. The dialogue centered on shared certainties in open cooperation, innovation, and resilience, addressing both cities' advantages in finance and trade as well as common challenges in urban renewal, low-carbon development, and digital transformation.
A key panel, 'Investing in China, Winning the Future,' examined how global capital perceives the Chinese market. Panelists noted that Chinese assets are shifting from traditional growth narratives to AI, high-end manufacturing, financial opening-up, and institutional market development. As a hub for financial opening-up and an asset allocation center, Shanghai serves as a crucial gateway linking international capital with opportunities in China. This discussion underscores the ongoing transformation of China's economy and the potential for foreign investment in emerging sectors.
Another panel, 'Opportunities in Emerging Consumer Markets,' moderated by Bloomberg Television host David Westin, highlighted that consumer vitality in Shanghai and New York stems not only from market size but from their ability to create experiences, understand people, and activate urban spaces. This insight is particularly relevant for business leaders looking to tap into evolving consumer trends in major metropolitan areas.
Beyond the forum, the New York series of events for OUR WATER Season 3 includes cultural exhibitions such as 'West Meets East·Shanghai & New York 2026 - A Polaroid 20×24 Special Exhibition' and 'Chinese Opera: A Century of Dreams - An Exhibition of Art Design and Technology,' as well as an exhibition themed Shanghai's 'One River, One Creek' and Jing'an CAZ China-U.S. Business Leaders Dialogue. These events aim to create a tangible waterfront narrative, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
In his address, Minister Tang Zhiwen emphasized that Shanghai and New York are expected to become benchmarks for subnational cooperation between China and the United States, contributing to a 'constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability.' This initiative holds significant implications for business and technology leaders, as it signals continued collaboration in key sectors like finance, AI, and high-end manufacturing, despite broader geopolitical tensions. For readers, the deepening ties between these two influential cities could lead to increased investment opportunities, shared innovations in urban development, and a more stable environment for cross-border business operations.
