European Youth Leaders explore self-driving & AI firms to meet a hi-tech Guangzhou

Hi-tech, development, and cooperation—these terms were echoed by young entrepreneurs from over 10 European countries after their first stop on the "Bridge to the Future European Youth Leaders Tour to the Greater Bay Area" on July 23.

The event was hosted by Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, underpinned by Guangdong People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and co-organized by Guangzhou and other municipal People's Associations for Friendship with Foreign Countries in Guangdong.

Members of the delegation visited two local tech firms: WeRide for autonomous driving and PCI for AI supply chain solutions in Guangzhou to explore its cutting-edge technology sectors, unveiling the metropolis's modern urban development.

Delegation members experience self-driving mini-bus firsthand at WeRide in Guangzhou on July 23. (Photo: South)

During their visit to WeRide, delegation members were grouped to experience the self-driving mini-bus in person and spoke with business executives for more details about the products and the company's plans, especially in Europe.

Kirill Perepelica, co-founder of Munch, a Hungarian company focused on reducing food waste, was amazed to see self-driving technology thriving in China. Having been to the U.S. and seen similar technologies in action in California, he was excited to take the self-driving bus ride in China.

"It's already operational on ten lines. I can't wait to see it expanded to hundreds of lines all over the world," Perepelica expressed his high hopes.

Delegation members talk to business executives at WeRide in Guangzhou on July 23. (Photo: South)

Similarly, co-founder of Intre Vecini, Sabina Mihailescu, a Romanian entrepreneur focused on sustainability, was impressed by the transportation technologies being utilized by both PCI and WeRide. She and her fellow Romanians believe that these relevant technologies can be implemented to improve people's lives.

Running a startup that deploys AI for air conditioners, Italian Matías Acosta, CEO of Cosysense based in the UK, was particularly intrigued by the tour due to its strong connection to his company's field.

Cosysense produces smart seating, IoT sensors, and actuators. As Acosta explained, it was quite enjoyable for him to see how developments are happening in Guangzhou and to learn about the strategic areas that Chinese counterparts are considering as part of the future of AI, particularly in applications for electric mobility and building smart cities.

"It's very important to bring this delegation of young leaders from the European Union," Jacobo García, President of the Global Youth Leadership Forum, told South.

Delegation members listen to introduction of AI deployment at PCI in Guangzhou on July 23. (Photo: South)

According to the president, the delegation's visit to the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area aims to understand the development of the Chinese economy.

He seeks to highlight the opportunities for these promising young entrepreneurs as they prepare to enter the next decade of economic growth, strengthening relationships and forming strategic partnerships between the EU and China to cooperate and share in the region's development.

In the coming week, the delegation will explore more cities, including Jiangmen, Zhongshan, Shenzhen, and Zhuhai in the GBA.

Reporter: Zhang Ruijun, Wang Yating (intern)

Video & Poster: Liang Zijian

Script: Zhang Ruijun

Photo: Liang Zijian



Editor: Yuan Zixiang, James, Shen He