Located two hours north of Melbourne, Greater Shepparton City Council has established a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Lijiang City in China. Signed late last year, the agreement will pave the way for export, tourism and education opportunities.
Greater Shepparton Mayor, Councillor Jenny Houlihan, said that strengthening ties with the Chinese city creates a myriad of opportunities for both parties.
“This MOU will provide economic and tourism opportunities, technological transfers and education programs,” she said.
“The new relationship will make trade between the two cities easier. It will also establish a means to set up exchange programs for students, share scientific research, technology and arrange business ventures.
“Through the MOU, Greater Shepparton will strengthen its position as a member of the global community.”
Mayor Houlihan, said the MOU is the first step to forming a sister city relationship with Lijiang, which is located in the Yunnan Province.
“A sister city relationship could open the door for Greater Shepparton to export produce more easily to China and establish a reputation for produce from our region,” she said.
“Having a sister city relationship with a Chinese province will provide immense help with trade opportunities for Goulburn Valley businesses and industry.
“This relationship will enhance credibility to develop trade networks. Council will be working with the business community to establish export readiness workshops.”
The City of Lijiang is one of the few cities in the world with a population of over one million people at an elevation of more than a mile above sea level.
It covers a fairly large geographical area that comprises one district and four counties.
