The first Sino-French cooperative forum on local administration will be held in Wuhan, capital city of Chinese central province of Hubei, at the end of October, serving as a key project of the China-France Culture Year.

According to a source with the Wuhan Mayor Association here Monday, the theme of the forum is "Friendship, Cooperation, Development and Mutual Benefits." It will focus on expanding mutual understanding and cooperation opportunities to further the friendly relations between China and France.

Four key areas will be urban environmental protection, urban construction and transportation, and cooperative mechanisms among local governments between China and France.

The forum was initiated by France and organized by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC). French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy will lead a delegation of over 200 French mayors or vice mayors to attend the seminar, the source said.

Source: Xinhua