Shenzhen, a major city in southern China has established sister-city relations with Apia.
A delegation lead by Mr Zhu Tingfeng, Deputy Secretary of the Municipal government, met with the Prime Minister, Hon. Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Malielegaoi today signed sister-city agreement between the two cities.
“This agreement we are signing has been in the works since last year, when planning began to establish our sister-city ties. This agreement will bring positives for both cities, and for Samoa, it will mean a boost in developing areas such as tourism, trade and investment and culture as well as other sectors,” said the Prime Minister.
Head of Shenzhen’s delegation, Mr Zhu Tingfeng was equally optimistic about what the agreement would mean for both countries.
“Shenzhen is a symbol of development in China, and we aim to open up new connections in other regions. Our city hopes to further contribute to common development and with this agreement, we hope to add to the positive cooperation between China and the south pacific region,” said the Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Government of Shenzhen.
With a population of 13 million, Shenzhen is one of the largest cities in China with a large manufacturing base. It hosts some of the biggest technology companies in the world, such as Huawei and ZTE.
In 2014, Shenzhen replaced Hong Kong to become China’s most competitive city based on livability, business advantages and sustainability.
It is also an important city in the implementation of China’s belt and road initiatives announced by President Xi Jinping in 2013, to build trade investment and financial cooperation as well as cultural exchanges between Asia-Pacific, Europe and Africa.
This is the first sister city agreement Apia has signed with an overseas city.
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