On October 14, CRI Online organized the "Beijing at Your Service" themed trip. A total of 70 foreign journalists from regions including the Asia-Pacific, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Arab world visited the Beijing Government Service Center and the Beijing Citizen Hotline Service Center. The trip offered them an in-depth look at Beijing's innovative practices and achievements in government services, hotline services, digital and intelligent services, and international services, showcasing the city's progress in modern governance.

Foreign journalists at the Beijing Government Service Center

At the Beijing Government Service Center, the journalists learned about the operations of its comprehensive service windows, facilities for the general public, self-service facilities, extended-hour services, and Beijing Loan Service Center. They showed strong interest in efficient public services such as "One-Window Services" and "One-Stop Online Government Services".

A foreign journalist listening to an operator handling citizens' calls on-site

At the Beijing Citizen Hotline Service Center, the journalists gained a deep understanding of the 12345 Citizen Hotline and its "Swift Response to Public Complaints" mechanism. They explored the center’s intelligent agents, online agents, and foreign-language agents, along with the emergency command and dispatch system. The journalists also witnessed the smooth, rapid process from receiving calls to generating and handling work orders, experiencing firsthand the speed and efficiency of the "Swift Response to Public Complaints" mechanism.

Staff introducing the International Web Portal of Beijing to the journalists

The journalists then learned about Beijing's online public service platforms, including the International Web Portal of Beijing, the "12345 Online", and the "BeijingService" WeChat account. They were impressed by the platforms' diverse functions and multilingual support, and highly praised the "12345 Online" as an efficient and accessible communication channel between the public and authorities.

Irfan Ashraf during an interview

Irfan Ashraf, a host from Pakistan's SAMAA TV, stated that while Pakistan has similar service platforms, Beijing's system is more advanced and targeted, providing the public with more efficient and convenient services. In his view, the International Web Portal of Beijing sends a message to the world — you can enjoy a worry-free, convenient life in China.

Karaman Syiagul during an interview

Karaman Syiagul, a journalist from Kyrgyzstan's Koom Press, believed that the "12345 Online", as China's first platform capable of responding to requests in nine languages, is part of China's modernization endeavor. She said that in terms of government services, Beijing is already at the global forefront, and other countries can learn from its experience.

Sergio Lara García during an interview

Sergio Lara García, a co-contributor to a Costa Rican digital media outlet ElPais.cr, commented that the web portal has a modern design and a comprehensive range of functions. He added that this platform strives to reach the public in an easy and clear way, which ensures easy access, convenient navigation, and efficient communication.

Sekar Gandhawangi during an interview

Sekar Gandhawangi, a journalist from Indonesia's Kompas Daily Newspaper, noted that the International Web Portal of Beijing enables foreigners in the city to quickly obtain the information they need, making their daily life much easier. Gandhawangi continued that she would definitely recommend the platform to her foreign friends, especially those who are planning to visit Beijing.

(Source: CRI Online)