High level Shanghai Delegation for Sister City 20th Anniversary

Dunedin, 15 August 2014 - A high level six-member delegation from China’s Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress (SCSMPC) will be in Dunedin from 19 - 21 August to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Dunedin’s sister city relationship with Shanghai.

Dunedin City Council Business Development Advisor – International Relations Margo Reid says, “The delegation represents the office of the Mayor of Shanghai, but as the SCSMPC sits above the Mayor’s office in government terms, the visit demonstrates the seriousness with which Shanghai regards the relationship between the two cities.”

The delegation is being led by Vice Chairman of the SCSMPC Standing Committee Mr Xue Chao. He is accompanied by SCSMPC members: Chairman for the Internal and Judicial Affairs Committee Mr Shen Zhixian, Vice-Chairman of the Urban Construction and Environmental Protection Committee Mr Xu Jieliang, Director of Petitions Office of General Office of SCSMPC Ms Wu Liqun, Deputy Director of the Office of the Internal and Judicial Affairs Committee Mr Liu Jinpeng and Deputy Director of the Office of the Urban Construction and Environmental Protection Committee Mr Lin Haiping.

Ms Reid says the delegation has expressed particular interest in learning about environmental protection, air pollution and sustainability. Its itinerary therefore focuses on those interests as well as showcasing the city. This includes a presentation from the Otago Regional Council, led by its Chairman Stephen Woodhead, and a visit to the Orokonui Ecosanctuary.

The most significant event in terms of the 20th anniversary celebrations is the naming of the Shanghai Room in the Dunedin Municipal Chambers on Wednesday, 20 August. This will be attended by the entire delegation, Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull and invited guests.

“On the same day the delegation will visit the Dunedin Chinese Garden,” says Ms Reid. “They will take part in two ceremonial activities, releasing new fish into the pond and planting a weeping willow tree. The weeping willow’s shape is elegant and its branches bend but rarely break, showing strength and sustainability.”

A civic dinner will be held that evening in the Dunedin Town Hall.

University of Otago School of Law staff, including Professor Mark Henaghan, will meet with the delegation to talk about New Zealand environmental law. A tour of the Otago Polytechnic will include a meeting with the Director, Sustainability, Centre for Sustainable Practice, Jean Tilleyshort.

The delegation will depart Dunedin for Australia on the afternoon of 21 August.

ENDS

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