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.
In a testament to enduring friendship and fruitful cooperation, Chongqing and Mpumalanga Province in South Africa marked a significant milestone on October 18, 2002, by establishing city-province sister relations. Now, as they celebrate over two decades of partnership, both regions reflect on the journey of collaboration and mutual growth.
Mpumalanga Province, known as "the place where the sun rises" in Swazi, boasts a diverse economy centered around manufacturing, mining, agriculture, forestry, and tourism. Its unique natural landscapes, including grasslands, jungles, and hot springs, coupled with vibrant tribal cultures, make it an attractive destination for tourists and investors alike.
Scenery of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. (Photo/Foreign Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal People's Government)
Over the past 20 years, officials and delegations from Chongqing and Mpumalanga Province have engaged in reciprocal visits, fostering ties across various sectors. Through economic cooperation seminars, investment promotion meetings, and cultural exchanges, they have deepened their cooperation in the economic, trade, culture, tourism, and education fields.
During the "One Meeting, One Event" period in Chongqing in 2001, the CEO of the Mpumalanga Provincial Government Investment Promotion Center visited Chongqing. In May of the same year, a delegation from Chongqing visited Mpumalanga Province.
In October 2002, the Governor of Mpumalanga Province led a delegation to visit Chongqing. An economic cooperation seminar between Chongqing and Mpumalanga Province was held in Chongqing, and the "Agreement on Establishing Friendly City-Province Relations between the People's Republic of China, Chongqing Municipality, and the Republic of South Africa, Mpumalanga Province" was signed.
Representatives from Mpumalanga Province gave investment presentations at the China (Chongqing) - South Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Seminar. (Photo/Foreign Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal People's Government)
In October 2005, a delegation from Mpumalanga Province visited Chongqing to participate in the 5th Asia-Pacific Mayors' Summit.
In October 2008, the Governor of Mpumalanga Province led a delegation to visit Chongqing, where they signed a memorandum of understanding to renew the sister-city relationship and held an investment promotion conference for Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. In December of the same year, leaders of Chongqing visited Mpumalanga Province and signed a memorandum of understanding to work together, identifying economics, agriculture, education, and other fields as priority areas for cooperation.
In May 2010, the Deputy Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Parliament led a delegation to visit Chongqing, where the Chongqing Municipal Education Commission and other departments held working meetings with the delegation.
In March 2023, despite global challenges, representatives from Mpumalanga Province reaffirmed their commitment to the partnership by participating in the China (Chongqing)—South Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange held virtually in Chongqing. Their presence underscored the enduring nature of the relationship and their eagerness to explore new avenues for collaboration.
Source: Foreign Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal People's Government