Bristol is set to enhance its trading relationship with China's Guangzhou as the two cities commemorate 25 years of being twinned. A delegation from the Chinese port city, located northwest of Hong Kong along the Pearl River, visited the West of England to celebrate the economic bonds between the two locations.
Delegation Visit Highlights
The five-member group from Guangzhou's municipal government spent three days in London before traveling to Bristol to engage with the city's business, political, and academic leaders. Also present was Peter Insole, principal historic environment officer and urban design team manager at Bristol City Council, who developed the Know Your Place mapping resource for Bristol's history.
The visit, organized by the Bristol & West of England China Bureau, included tours of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Ashton Court, Wong's Restaurant on Denmark Street, and the Guangzhou Garden at the University of Bristol's Botanic Garden.
Proposals for Enhanced Cooperation
During the visit, Wen Yanji, deputy secretary-general of Guangzhou municipal government, proposed increased collaboration with Bristol in economic and trade activities, education, and urban governance. He stated, "This year marks the 25th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Guangzhou and Bristol. Over the past quarter of a century, our two cities have advanced hand in hand, witnessed each other's development, and forged a deep and enduring friendship. From trade and business to people-to-people exchanges, from educational cooperation to urban governance, our collaboration has delivered fruitful results and stands as a fine example of local cooperation between China and the UK."
Local Reactions
Councillor Yassin Mohamud, Lord Mayor of Bristol, commented, "As we mark this anniversary year, we do so with pride in what we have achieved together, and with confidence in what the future holds. Bristol values its friendship with Guangzhou deeply, and we look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come." Dianne Francombe, chief executive of the Bristol & West of England China Bureau, added, "We look forward to the next 25 years of engagement with Guangzhou and our partners in the Greater Bay area."
