Eric Zheng, president of AmCham Shanghai, affirmed American companies' commitment to the Chinese market.

"The policies reaffirming China's opening up at the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC align with the policy stability that American companies in China seek and can significantly reduce reservations," said Zheng.

Shanghai has more foreign investment, foreign company headquarters, and R&D centers than other parts of China, said Sean Stein, chair of the Board of Governors of AmCham China, adding that there remains huge potential for mutual benefit in US-China economic and trade cooperation, and Shanghai and New York are key.

The enormous cultural and economic influence of these two cities plays an important role in connecting with the outside world, tightly linking the US and China, he said.

Jeffrey S. Lehman, executive vice chancellor of New York University Shanghai, highlighted how the university's international student body and values nurture natural bridges between both cities. "Our graduates in Shanghai or New York convey the shared spirit, professionalism, and vision for our common future."

Experts also shared best practices for creating livable, eco-friendly waterfronts while preserving heritage.

"Like the rippling waves across the Huangpu and Hudson, every accomplishment in the partnership between Shanghai and New York adds to the great river of China-US exchange and collaboration," Sha stated. "Through mutual understanding and cooperation as co-navigators along our rivers, our two great cities can forge an even brighter future together."

The event was organized by the Shanghai Public Relations Association, AmCham Shanghai and the Shanghai Institute of American Studies.