Economic and business links between Bristol and its Chinese sister city Guangzhou have been strengthened during an official visit to China by Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees.
Mayor Rees, who travelled with members of the Bristol and West of England China Bureau, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Guangzhou and its partner cities, including Linkoping in Sweden and Genoa in Italy, aimed at forging ever-closer economic and trade connections.
He shared his aspirations for closer collaboration with China and for Bristol’s global connectivity as a diverse international community and a leading UK innovation hub.
The three-day visit also marked the 15th anniversary of the sister city partnership between Bristol and Guangzhou, China’s third-largest city and the capital of the Guangdong region, which includes the Pearl River Delta – one of China’s main economic hubs and a major manufacturing centre.
Bristol and West of England China Bureau director of business initiatives Richard Lowe said: “Guangzhou Mayor Wen Guohui particularly acknowledged the importance of building on our educational research and exchange programmes, technological and urban innovation as well as exploring aerospace links.
“We believe successful trade partnerships are going to be very important for the UK post-Brexit and we are committed to re-doubling our efforts to extend links with Guangzhou and the wider Pearl River Delta region in the future.”
The Bristol delegation presented Guangzhou with a statue of Bristol animation firm Aardman’s globally-renown character Shaun the Sheep to mark the 15th anniversary of the cultural and trade link.
Thanking them, Mayor Wen said Guangzhou had a special affinity with sheep as they are recognised as auspicious and friendly.
Pictured, top: Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees exchanges gifts with Guangzhou Mayor Wen Guohui. Bottom: Mayor Rees and Mayor Wen signing the official Memorandum of Understanding
