The plenary sessions of the U.S. National Governors Association (NGA) Summer Meeting start on July 20, 2018 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the United States. (Xinhua/ Liu Liwei)

SANTA FE, New Mexico, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Over 20 U.S. governors and business representatives across the United States gathered here on Friday, discussing the economic development, innovation, education and social problems in the country.

At the opening plenary, John Krafcik, CEO of Waymo, a leading U.S. autonomous car developing company, discussed with governors on issues concerning the utilization of driverless vehicles in different states.

U.S National Governors Association (NGA) Summer Meeting held here from July 19 to 21, setting a platform for governors to discuss opportunities and challenges for their state. It is also served as a bridge for business representatives to advertise their new technologies and products.

A series of forums were held Thursday as the International Cooperation Day of the meeting. Jointly sponsored by China General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC) and the NGA, a forum focused on U.S.-China economic ties, growth, strategies and investment cooperation, as well as the recent trade frictions between the two countries.

Chinese Consul General in Los Angeles Zhang Ping, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and Utah Governor Gary Herbert shared the views that trade friction is detrimental to both U.S. and China economy, and the world economy at large. In order to maintain the relationship U.S and China built in the past four decades, the leaders agreed to further strengthen subnational collaboration and communication between the two countries.

All 50 U.S. states sent representatives to the three-day meeting. Delegations from China, Canada, Kenya, Japan and Mexico also participated in the NGA Summer Meeting.