Kelvin Trimper, president of World Federation of Rose Societies, presents the federation flag to Nanyang delegates at the closing ceremony of Regional Rose Convention held in Slovenia on June 18, 2017.

Nanyang of Henan province, known as the "city of roses", has come a long way since bidding for and winning the honor to host the 2019 World Federation of Rose Societies (WFRS) Regional Convention.

The event is an international platform for the exchange of research ideas and achievements in cultivation, landscaping, breeding, culture, and all other aspects of roses.

Nanyang submitted its application to the Rose Branch of the China Flower Association while exhibiting at the 2016 WFRS Regional Convention in Beijing from May 18 to 24, 2016.

Mu Weimin (R2), member and secretary general of the Standing Committee of the?CPC Henan Provincial Committee meets Kelvin Trimper(L2), president of World Federation of Rose Societies and former president Helga Brichet(L1) on Sept 10, 2016.

During the convention, the Nanyang delegation held discussions with the president of the WFRS, Kelvin Trimper and former president Helga Brichet, expressing its desire to host the convention in 2019. The society agreed to inspect Nanyang in the following November.

On Sept 2, the Standing Committee of the CPC Nanyang Municipal Committee approved the government's application for the 2019 WFRS Regional Convention after listening to its preparation work report.

The committee put forward the principle of "three early and three high," which stands for early preparation, practice and operation, as well as high standard, quality and efficiency, to ensure the success of the event, and boost construction of a beautiful, vigorous and happy Nanyang.

The city's application work and rose industrial development left a great impression on the WFRS inspection team during its visit from Sept 9 to 11, 2016. The WFRS president praised the bidding team for its efficient work and professional submissions. He also believed in Nanyang's strength to hold a high-level international rose event.

Nanyang submitted official application to the WFRS on Sept 11, and won the bid following an online voting on Oct 2.

Kelvin Trimper, president of WFRS and former president Helga Brichet?investigate Nanyang's rose industry in September 2016.??