Beijing - Zhao Jiaqi, president of Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, said Beijing hopes to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Tokyo in a broad range of areas.

Tokyo was the first foreign city that Beijing entered into a friendship in 1979, and the exchange and cooperation have evolved from the level of governmental officials to fostering talents, city management and other fields, said Zhao at the Beijing-Tokyo forum organized by China Daily and Japan's Genron NPO.

Zhao also said that Beijing is ready to share development opportunities with industries from Japan amid its efforts to build a world-class metropolis.

"I hope the forum can establish the bridge of friendship between us and realize a win-win in the future."