The coastal city of Zhanjiang in South China's Guangdong is expected to invest more than 40 billion yuan ($6.18 billion) in 82 projects, in a bid to develop into a national demonstration city in terms of circular economy, according to the city Mayor Wang Zhongbing on April 7.

Wang spoke of his ambition when he met Axel Schweitzer, CEO of the ALBA Group and signed a cooperation framework agreement with the Germany-based recycling company on the day.

According to the agreement, both sides will conduct cooperation in several fields, such as life wastes categorization, recycling treatment of industrial wastes and renewable energy.

Wang expressed his hope for more advanced management ideas, professional technologies and services from the company to influence the development in Zhanjiang, helping shape the city into China's best demonstration city for circular economy.

The mayor also had a deep exchange with the CEO on how to implement the agreement and to attract more investment from Germany to strengthen environmental protection in Zhanjiang.

Schweitzer said that ALBA Group is experienced in environmental protection and would like to work together with Zhanjiang for the city's development of a circular and sustainable economy.

The German company has attached great importance to Zhanjiang, sending senior officials to visit the city, as well as having three rounds of talks with the city on circular economy since last October.

Zhanjiang Mayor Wang Zhongbing delivers a speech at the signing ceremony of the cooperation framework agreement with ALBA Group on April 7. [Photo/zhanjiang.gov.cn]

The Zhanjiang government signs a cooperation framework agreement with the Germany-based ALBA Group on April 7. [Photo/zhanjiang.gov.cn]

Zhanjiang Mayor Wang Zhongbing exchanges views with Axel Schweitzer, CEO of ALBA Group, on how to develop the city's circular economy and to attract more investment from Germany to strengthen the city's environmental protection, on April 7. [Photo/zhanjiang.gov.cn]