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Eight Countries Member Held a Video Conference of International Network of Silk Cities and Metropoles, ISU Chairman Zhang Guoqiang Delivered a Keynote Speech

Time:2020-11-24 Source:ISU Secretariat

On November 20, 2020, the Video Conference of International Network of Silk Cities and Metropoles was successfully held. Industry organizations and silk city representatives from 8 countries including Brazil, China, France, Georgia, Italy, Japan, Spain, Uzbekistan participated in the conference. The conference was hosted by Lyon Metropole, Lyon and Intersoie France. Mr. Xavier Lepingle, president of Intersoie France, CEO of Hermès Textile Holding, presided over the meeting.

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Ms. Nathalie Perrin Gilbert and Ms. Helene Dromain, vice president of Lyon Metropole, respectively delivered speeches, introducing the history, culture and industry of Lyon silk, and the background of "International Network of Silk Cities and Metropoles" to the guests. Ms. Sonia Zdorovtzof, deputy mayor of Lyon, introduced to the guests the importance of international city networks in international cooperation, hoping to take this as an opportunity to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between silk cities.

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Mr. Zhang Guoqiang, chairman of International Silk Union(ISU), was invited to give a speech. He expressed that the "International Network of Silk Cities and Metropoles" aims to use silk as a carrier to promote exchanges and cooperation, mutual benefit and development between cities of various countries at the international level. In 2020, the Covid-19 epidemic poses new challenges to the healthy, stable and sustainable development of the global silk industry. The international silk industry needs to further strengthen exchanges, maintain interaction, and develop together. ISU hopes to continue to support the construction and development of the network, promote communication and cooperation between silk industries in various countries.

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Subsequently, city representatives from Brazil, France, Georgia, Italy, Japan, Spain, Uzbekistan and other countries gave speeches on the history and culture, development status, impact of the epidemic on the industry and response measures, further improvement of the silk industry in their countries and regions, hoping to strengthen the mutual cooperation of silk cities and promote the comprehensive, healthy and sustainable development of the silk industry.

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Valérie De Rosa, international department of the City and Lyon Metropole, introduced the organization and charter of the "International Network of Silk Cities and Metropoles", and clarified the development goals, member categories, operating mechanisms and action plans of the network.

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The 5 identified orientations of the network was clarified, committed to in-depth development and communication in a certain field, every orientation has the leader and co-leader. Participants introduced the industrial characteristics, platform advantages, and expandable cooperation of their respective cities in combination with their certain orientation, hoping to enhance exchanges through the "International Network of Silk Cities and Metropoles", and promote cross-regional cooperation between silk cities.

Five orientations:

1. Silk, a driver of influence and attractiveness as a tourist and cultural destination

2. Silk, a driver of innovation

3. Silk at the heart of the transfer of know-how and professional skills 

4. Silk as a key textile material of sustainability and circular economy

5. Production of quality silk 

Xiang Feng, the director of Commercial Bureau of Nanchong, introduced Nanchong's city conditions, city views and appearance, 5000-year history of silk culture, industry status and future development. He expressed, Nanchong will committed to inheriting the 5,000-years silk culture, promoting 100-billion cluster developments of silk spinning clothing, and going to the world, Letting Nanchong go to the world, the world go to Nanchong.

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The meeting also determined that the first meeting in 2021 will be held in Uzbekistan. Participants watched a promotional video of Uzbekistan together and got a taste of the textile history and culture of the meeting place in advance.

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Finally, Ms. Isabelle Moulin, a silk designer from Lyon, France, introduced the exhibition of "Un monde en Soi(e) ". The exhibition through the redesign by digging out various silk city elements, showing the blending and fusion of the Silk Road.