Toowoomba Region signs friendship city agreement with Yuecheng District, China

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio has officially signed a friendship city agreement with Yuecheng District.

On signing the agreement, Mayor Antonio said this is a momentous day for the Toowoomba Region, as we strengthen our ties with one of the world’s largest economies.

“Our region already enjoys a strong relationship with China, and this friendship continues to blossom.

“We welcome the people from Yuecheng District and the broader region to visit Toowoomba Region and explore the natural beauty, discover the education opportunities and consider the potential trade and investment possibilities, Mayor Antonio said.

“Yuecheng District is the central business area of the city of Shaoxing, home to around five million people. Importantly, Shaoxing borders the prominent city of Hangzhou whose permanent residents number approximately 10 million.

“With an international airport in Hangzhou, developing a rapport with such a significant area will assist in the continual growth of our region’s international trade industry and greatly benefit our community.

“Over the next five to ten years China will become the world’s largest economy. The Friendship City agreement with Yuecheng District, in the Zhejiang Province, will help Toowoomba Region build education, trade and tourism links with the world’s economic powerhouse.

“Council has been working towards a Friendship City relationship with the Yuecheng District since the signing of the initial Memorandum of Understanding in 2016.

“The Friendship City agreement aims to promote international study options, promote tourism between our regions, enhance business exchanges and encourage cultural events and festivals to promote mutual prosperity and development, Mayor Antonio said.

“International Education is set to play an important role in our region’s economy. With a rich tradition in educational excellence, we look forward to welcoming students from the Zhejiang province to our highly regarded schools and university.

“This relationship has the potential to build important trade links with an emerging region of China, Mayor Antonio said.

“Yuecheng District, Shaoxing will join Takatsuki, Japan; Paju, South Korea and Whanganui, New Zealand as one of Toowoomba Region Sister Cities.

“International sister city relationships are important because they build trade relationships, enhance cultural exchanges and in doing so, enrich our community.”

More information about international sister city relationships can be found at www.tr.qld.gov.au/about-council/sister-cities/about-sister-cities.