On February 1, 2021, a grand gala event was held in Te Marae of Te Papa to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Beijing and Wellington. Andy Foster, Mayor of Wellington, gave an address on site, and Chen Jining, Mayor of Beijing, delivered remarks via video. Chen expressed sincere gratitude to and good wishes for the long-standing support of the people who have promoted the friendly ties between China and New Zealand and between their capital cities. He said that since the two cities were twinned 15 years ago, they have conducted mutually beneficial cooperation in a wide range of areas such as trade and investment, culture, sports and tourism, boosting the sound and steady relationship between the two countries. At a new historical starting point, the two cities should bring their ties even closer, jointly map out a new blueprint for win-win cooperation, further tap into the cooperation potential in digital economy, smart city, cultural and creative industries and other fields, and take their mutually beneficial and pragmatic sister city relationship to a new level. Currently, Beijing is striving to build a national integrated demonstration zone for greater openness in the services sector and the China (Beijing) Pilot Free Trade Zone. “We will further shrink the negative list for foreign investment, strengthen intellectual property protection and continue to create a more enabling business environment. Wellington boasts advantages in technology, services, digital and creative industries among other fields. We sincerely welcome enterprises in Wellington and other parts of New Zealand to make investment and do business in Beijing and share development opportunities,” said Chen.

Mayor Foster highlighted the significant role of the sister city relationship in enhancing the social, economic and cultural prosperity of Wellington, describing it as a vital link in the world network of sister cities. “Given  that the world needs to enhance cooperation and understanding to fight the Covid pandemic, sister cities will undoubtedly be called upon to energise the global rebuilding in the post-Covid world,” said Mr. Foster. He also remarked that Wellington stands proud with its sister city Beijing and pledged to advance the sister city relationship and contribute to the global fight against the pandemic and the recovery of the world economy.

Beijing and Wellington will take the opportunity of the 15th anniversary to further their cooperation. A variety of activities will be held this year to mark the anniversary, such as online experience exchanges on the improvement of the business environment, matchmaking events and policy introductions about the building of a national integrated demonstration zone for greater openness in the services sector and the China (Beijing) Pilot Free Trade Zone, smart city project meetings, and Beijing tourism promotion events.

Wu Xi, Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand, and Clare Fearnley, New Zealand Ambassador to China, also delivered remarks via video link.

(Reporter: Fan Junsheng)