Chongqing - In recent years, Chongqing has seized the opportunity to accelerate building the city into a Hub for International Exchanges in Central and Western China, continuously integrating and expanding foreign affairs resources.
The city has increased efforts to invite foreign entities and expand its presence globally. As a result, Chongqing's international network has grown, fostering broader exchanges with sister cities, solidifying partnerships, and paving the way for a wider path of friendship.
Chongqing and Leicester have marked three decades of friendship and collaboration since they established sister-city relations on October 11, 1993.
Leicester, renowned as one of England's industrial hubs, boasts various industries, including textiles, footwear, and engineering, earning it the "City of a Thousand Trades."
The city view of Leicester. (Photo/Foreign Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal People's Government)
As a key economic center in central England, Leicester serves as a vibrant commercial and entertainment hub. It has emerging tourism and significant conference facilities, coupled with its prestigious institutions, like the University of Leicester.
Since the establishment of sister-city relations, leaders from Chongqing and Leicester have engaged in reciprocal visits, strengthened ties, and explored avenues for cooperation. Notably, the Mayor of Leicester led a delegation to the 12th China Chongqing International Investment and Global Sourcing Fair.
In 2023, leaders from Chongqing paid a visit to Leicester to commemorate the 30th anniversary of sister-city friendship.
The 2023 opening ceremony of Chongqing Medical University and the University of Leicester joint education program of Clinical Medicine and Clinical Science. (Photo/Chongqing Medical University's WeChat Official Account)
Academic collaboration has been a cornerstone of the Chongqing-Leicester partnership, with universities such as Chongqing University, Chongqing Medical University, and the University of Leicester engaging in joint educational and research initiatives. Faculty exchanges and cooperative educational projects have further strengthened academic ties between the institutions.
University of Leicester (Photo/University of Leicester's WeChat Official Account)
Chongqing Experimental School and Leicester Dixie Grammar School, established as friendly schools in 1999, engage in reciprocal visits and exchanges in multiple academic disciplines such as music, fine arts, English, technology, and mathematics.
Source: Foreign Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal People's Government