City signs up to AI partnership

The Shanghai government signed a strategic agreement with iFlytek Co Ltd on Thursday to develop technologies including artificial intelligence and its application.

IFlytek is China’s leading software enterprise dedicated to the research in intelligent speech and language technologies, development of software and chip products, provision of speech information services and integration of e-government systems.

Shanghai Party Secretary Li Qiang said the partnership with iFlytek reflected that the city had become a center for many high-tech companies, especially those strong in artificial intelligence.

Li said artificial intelligence represented the future and was of great significance for the city, which will continue to improve its business environment for the companies involved.

Shanghai Mayor Ying Yong said he expected iFlytek to help Shanghai build a smarter government and a smarter city.

IFytek President Liu Qingfeng said Shanghai provided a good platform for companies to grow thanks to its rich resources and large talent pool.

“The partnership with Shanghai government serves as a great opportunity to enhance our cooperation in the research of artificial intelligence, its innovation and application,” Liu said.