Case study of Guandong as presented in an international forum in Tel Aviv. How do city to city partnerships promote the city or residents or businesses?

1. Deepen International Cooperation and Promote Sister Relations
By
Mr. Chen Ming, Director of the Service Office for Foreign Establishments, Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office

2. •Honorable Mayor Ron Huldai , distinguished representatives,
•I am very honored to attend this International Relations Directors Forum on behalf of Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office, China, and share our experiences in terms of international cooperation and sister relations development.
•Firstly, I would like to brief you on Guangdong’s development. Guangdong lies in the southernmost of China and is adjacent to Hong Kong and Macao SARs. As the “Southern Gate” of China’s foreign trade, Guangdong is the biggest provincial economy and the most populous and culturally open province in China. In 1979, Guangdong embarked on international sister relations exchanges by establishing twinning relations with New South Wales in Australia. Its capital city Guangzhou twinned with Fukuoka of Japan in the same year.

3. •Guangdong has 21 prefecture-level municipalities. Its 147 twinning relations cover every continent of the world, of which 35 are at provincial level, 101 municipal level and 11 county level. Over the past thirty odd years, Guangdong has made great achievements in twinning relation engagements, featured by frequent high-level visits, active parliamentary exchanges and fruitful cooperation in the fields of economy and trade, culture, education, tourism, science and technology, healthcare, environmental protection, talents exchanges, urban construction and so forth.

4. •Here, I would like to share with you Guangdong’s experience of cooperation with its first sister state. In September 1979, Guangdong established twinning relationship with New South Wales (NSW) of Australia. The Agreement was signed by the then Governor Xi Zhongxun. Since then, with great support of the leaders and joint efforts of both governments of Guangdong and NSW, the two sides have reaped fruitful exchanges and cooperation in the fields of economy and trade, energy resources, minerals, agriculture, environmental protection, science and technology, education, culture and so forth.

5. •This year marks the 35th anniversary of Guangdong-NSW sisterhood. Both sides will organize a series of celebrations, including the 25th NSW-Guangdong Joint Economic Conference, performance by Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra in Sydney, and such cultural events as Guangdong Week, which will further deepen the exchanges and cooperation between Guangdong and NSW in various fields and achieve mutual benefits and win-win situation.

6. •The development of cities is the driving force of social progress. Twinning relationship is an important platform for international cooperation. To better promote the sister relations, we wish to promote high level visits, enhance economic and trade cooperation, strengthen people-to- people ties, and innovate exchange forms. We also wish to enrich substantial exchanges, extend common interest, and deepen cooperation through specific programs. Today’s Forum provides a wonderful platform for us to exchange experiences, build up connections and work together. Here, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Tel Aviv Municipality again for your kind invitation.

7. •Since the establishment of China-Israel diplomatic relations, both countries have adhered to friendly cooperation and mutual support; the two peoples have developed profound friendship. As is known to all, Israel is an innovative country, whose modern industry, agriculture, science and technology have been highly recognized by the international community. Its economy has achieved remarkable development.

8. •We sincerely hope that, twinning with Tel Aviv, we will further develop the exchanges and cooperation between Guangdong and Israel in varied fields. I have no doubt that with our joint efforts, we will achieve more fruits in the international exchanges and cooperation, and the sister relationship endeavor will make greater contribution to the world peace and prosperity.

9. •Last but not the least, I would like to thank the organizer for your considerate arrangement and wish the Forum a crowned success!