??? Wang Yuanyuan ????SHENZHEN should introduce more international exchange activities and cooperation in economic and cultural areas to promote the city internationally, said Edi Yu Suf, consul general of Indonesia in Guangzhou, yesterday. ????He was speaking at a seminar for foreign consuls general and Shenzhen government officials. About 20 consuls general and officials from consulates in Guangzhou attended the seminar, advising Shenzhen about building an international city. ????“Many business people in Indonesia are very familiar with Shenzhen, but the city is rarely heard of by people in other areas. It is better for Shenzhen to hold more exchange and cooperation activities with other countries in areas such as culture and education. For example, Shenzhen could invite more foreign students to conduct activities with local students,” said Suf. ????Constantin Cakioussis, consul general of Greece, also suggested there should be more exchange activities. “As one of the cities in the UNESCO city network, it would be more convenient for Shenzhen to introduce the world to its residents,” said Cakioussis. ????Many consuls general and officials also agreed Shenzhen should be more protective of its culture and cultural heritage. ????“An international city is not just a city of buildings. It is a combination of the economy, culture, people and landscapes,” said Judy Barbara Robianes, consul general of the Philippines. ????“One of the most important things is to simplify procedures for residence permits to attract more foreigners to work in Shenzhen,” said Sergey Netkach, consul general of Russia. ????Netkach said there was a Russian company in Shenzhen that had about 20 Russian employees, but only four had residence permits and the company was still in big trouble helping the others apply for permits. “To become an international city, it should be very easy for foreigners to settle in the city,” he said. ????Tang Lixia, head of the office, said the fair would deepen cooperation with foreign countries as more foreign officials were invited to experience a fast-growing, modern and innovative Shenzhen. | 