Song Zhiyong delivers a keynote speech at the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 North Bund Forum

The 2026 North Bund Forum opened in Shanghai on October 20 for a two-day run. Chen Jining, Secretary of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee, attended the opening and announced the launch of the forum. Liu Wei, Minister of Transport, and Zhu Zhongming, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee and Mayor of Shanghai, delivered remarks at the opening ceremony. Song Zhiyong, Administrator of Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony, and Han Jun, Deputy Administrator of CAAC, delivered remarks at the main forum on international aviation.

Song Zhiyong said that the CPC Central Committee and the State Council have entrusted Shanghai with the major mission of becoming a modern socialist international metropolis with global influence. In 2024, CAAC and the National Development and Reform Commission jointly issued the Guiding Opinions on Promoting the Development of International Aviation Hubs, which called for accelerating the development of the "3+7+N" functional system of international aviation hubs. As one of the three "all-round gateway-type composite international aviation hubs", Shanghai shoulders the strategic task of strengthening its intercontinental connectivity and global reach, and of enhancing its international competitiveness. CAAC has consistently given priority to Shanghai's international aviation hub development as part of the nationwide development of civil aviation. With joint efforts from all parties, significant progress has been made in Shanghai's international aviation hub development. The hub's overall capacity has continued to rise; the passenger and cargo traffic structure has continued to improve; transfer capabilities have been significantly enhanced; and the aviation market landscape has become more well-rounded. The Shanghai aviation hub has become more deeply integrated with the regional economy, and the contribution of the hub economy has become increasingly prominent. Going forward, CAAC will continue to increase policy support, optimize and improve the hub's functional system, further channel key resources toward its development, plan and build first-class infrastructure, substantially improve transfer efficiency, and effectively promote industrial integration. It will support Shanghai in developing a world-class aviation hub from a higher starting point, contributing to the accelerated development of China into a country with strong transportation capabilities and to Shanghai's development of the "Five Centers".

At the opening ceremony, a series of government-led landmark outcomes were presented, including the Strategic Plan for Shanghai International Aviation Hub Development in the New Era and on the New Journey.