PHOTO // Group of journalists from Moldova visits Shanghai United Media Group, Zhejiang Media Group, more Chinese companies specializing in robotics, and artificial intelligence

A group of eight journalists from Moldova visited Shanghai and the cities of Hangzhou and Yiwu in Zhejiang province on June 22-30, at an invitation by the Chinese Embassy in Chisinau. The visit gave journalists from Moldova, including those from the MOLDPRES State News Agency, the opportunity to get to know the realities of China more closely and establish professional contacts with their Chinese counterparts.

The itinerary began at Shanghai United Media Group, one of the largest media conglomerates in China, with over 7,000 employees. The Moldovan journalists discussed the current challenges of digital journalism and international cooperation in the media sector.

The journalists learned details about the evolution of the media in Shanghai, one of the world's most dynamic cities, with a population of over 24 million, about the conditions in which their Chinese colleagues work and the principles that guide them in their profession.

An important item on the agenda was a visit to SUNMI, a leader in smart retail and digitalization solutions, where state-of-the-art technologies in POS and retail automation were presented.

Here, journalists were able to discover the latest achievements in technology and innovation, that contribute to the economic development of the regions.

To better understand the culture and history of Shanghai, journalists visited Yu Garden, one of the oldest and most beautiful places in the city, dating from the Ming dynasty.

Another highlight was the visit to the Shanghai Tower, the tallest tower in China (632 m). From the 119th floor, journalists could admire the city of Shanghai and see how modern architecture blends with the traditional.

As for the research, innovation and technology, journalists visited the HUAWEI Shanghai Center, where they learned about the latest achievements of companies in the information and communications technology field.

This visit provided an overview of how technology contributes to the digital transformation of the society.

A pleasant experience was a night cruise on the Huangpu River, which offered a magical perspective of the lit city.

The visit to the Zhejiang Financial College was a good occasion for journalists to learn more about the Chinese financial system and how the region's economy is managed and developed.

Another important meeting was with representatives of Zhejiang Media Group (ZMG), where media and communication aspects were discussed, as well as ways of collaboration between media institutions in China and Moldova.

ZMG is a Chinese media group operating in Zhejiang province, China. Founded in 2001, it is one of the largest media companies in China. ZMG owns and operates a variety of media channels, including Zhejiang Television, Zhejiang People's Radio, Zhejiang Daily and Zhejiang Online.

Journalists also had the opportunity to visit Unitree, known for its innovations in robotics. Here, they learned about the latest achievements in artificial intelligence, including the integration of these technologies into everyday life, in order to enhance efficiency and productivity.

A curious visit was also made to the city of Yiwu, known for its markets and retail commerce.

In 2011, Yiwu was designated as a Free Trade Zone (FTZ) by the Chinese government, which allowed the city to benefit from more flexible investment and trade policies. Yiwu has made massive investments in infrastructure, including roads, highways, airports and ports’ construction.

Also, in Yiwu, Moldovan journalists visited a company specializing in importing Moldovan wines. The company's representatives said that, in 2024 alone, they had imported over 6,000,000 bottles of Moldovan wine (a bottle sells for an average of 90 yuan or about 210 Moldovan lei) and there is potential for growth.

Finally, a visit to the ancient city of Xitang provided a journey back in time, allowing journalists to experience the traditional atmosphere of China. This city, with its bridges and canals, was an oasis of tranquility and authenticity, providing  a vivid image of China's historical past.

Through this visit, journalists from Moldova had the opportunity to better understand China's economic, cultural and social realities and to establish professional connections.