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.

On September 19, 2008, an agreement was signed between Chongqing Municipality and Chiang Mai Province of Thailand, officially establishing them as international friendship cities.

Situated in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai Province is the largest administrative region in Thailand and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of northern Thailand. Often referred to as Thailand's "Rose of the North," Chiang Mai is home to prestigious institutions such as Chiang Mai University and the Royal University of Chiang Mai.

With a solid economic foundation and a developed tourism industry, Chiang Mai Province boasts numerous natural landscapes and historic landmarks. The province hosts unique traditional festivals, including the Songkran Festival, Loy Krathong, and the Chiang Mai Flower Festival, attracting many domestic and international tourists annually.

Since establishing diplomatic relations, Chongqing and Chiang Mai leaders have engaged in reciprocal visits, advancing bilateral cooperation in various fields, including trade, investment, culture, education, and tourism.

In August 2019, a delegation from Chiang Mai Province attended the Smart China Expo held in Chongqing. In July 2023, leaders from Chongqing visited Chiang Mai Province to deepen friendly exchanges and cooperation. 

In November 2023, a delegation led by the Vice Governor of Chiang Mai Province visited Chongqing to attend the 2023 Sichuan-Chongqing Region of China and Mekong Countries Local Cooperation Forum. The delegation actively promoted cooperation between the two regions in the trade of agricultural products, automobiles, electronics, culture, sports, and education, thereby jointly advancing regional cooperation among Mekong River countries.

In recent years, vocational education institutions in Chiang Mai have actively participated in platforms such as the "Chengdu-Chongqing Economic circle&Lancang-Mekong Region Vocational Education Cooperation Alliance," led by Chongqing, continuously supporting educational cooperation and cultural exchange between China and Thailand.

In October 2023, the inauguration ceremony of the "Chinese Language + Logistics Vocational Skills" project's Thai teacher training program was held at the Chongqing City Management Vocational College. This project, organized by the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle and Lanang-Mekong Region Vocational Education Cooperation Alliance, was conducted in collaboration with several vocational colleges, including Chiang Mai Vocational College.

Previously, the "Chinese Language + Logistics Vocational Skills" Thai teacher online training program commenced, with the Director of Chiang Mai Vocational College attending the inauguration ceremony. 

Moreover, several batches of young students from Chiang Mai Province have been honored with the "Chongqing Mayor Scholarship" to pursue higher education in Chongqing. Youth from Chiang Mai have also participated in exchange programs held in Chongqing during the summer.

Chiang Mai Province has also dispatched delegations to partake in the 8th China (Chongqing) International Garden Expo, where they crafted the Chiang Mai Garden within the international exhibition area, showcasing Thailand's unique garden artistry and garnering immense appreciation from the residents of Chongqing.

(Han Bing, as an intern, also contributed to the report)

Source: Foreign Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal People's Government