Qingdao Delegation to Visit Dunedin

Dunedin (Monday, 9 March 2015) – A high level delegation from the Chinese city of Qingdao will arrive in Dunedin tomorrow.

The key purpose of the visit is to sign a formal Friendship City Agreement with Dunedin. This was agreed to in principle when Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull visited Qingdao in October last year.

Mr Cull says the agreement will further strengthen the growing relationship between the two cities.

“The relationship between our two cities started to flourish following links made with Fisher & Paykel’s new owner, the Haier Group, and we are now looking at collaboration in the education, tourism and business sectors. The Friendship City Agreement is an important step in further developing the relationship.”

Dunedin City Council Business Development Advisor International Relations Margo Reid says the six-person delegation will be led by the Vice Mayor of Qingdao, Mr Wang Guangzheng.

The agreement will be signed on Wednesday morning. While in the city the delegation, which includes Qingdao Municipal Bureau of Education Vice Director-General Mr Li Min, will also meet with the University of Otago and the Otago Polytechnic. This will enable further discussions around relationships being established with Qingdao University and China Ocean University.

During their two-day stay, the delegation is also keen to get a feel for Dunedin and for Māori culture, so the itinerary will include an official welcome and tour of the Tangata Whenua Gallery at the Otago Museum.

Consul General Mr Jin Zhijian from the Christchurch Consulate General, accompanied by his Political Consul Mr Liu Lian, will also travel to Dunedin to welcome and accompany the delegation.

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