Wuxi celebrates International Month with delegations from the twin cities

The delegation from Bocholt has returned home with many ideas and numerous impressions after taking part in the official celebrations for International Month in the Chinese city of Wuxi. The trip was used to hold bilateral talks on various topics.

The signing of the official city friendship treaty between the two municipalities was a key topic. Bocholt and Wuxi can trace their first official contacts back to 1985. To this day, economic relations, cultural and student and youth exchanges characterise the international friendship between the two cities. The city of Wuxi cultivates its international relations, for example by organising numerous events every year for "International Month" in March. More than 35,000 guests took part in the festivities with the partner and friendly cities, including a cherry blossom festival and an international marathon.

Official programme for all delegations

The Bocholt delegation took part in the festivities of the partner and friendly cities. This year's programme included the opening ceremony of the International Month. During this ceremony, Deputy Mayor Gudrun Koppers and other mayors symbolically pressed the start button for the International Month activities. In the subsequent interview, she spoke about the significance of the 40-year friendship between Wuxi and Bocholt.

Visit to the historic old town of Meili

During a visit to the "Meili old town", the international delegations were able to see for themselves how this neighbourhood has been upgraded for tourism. Both the deputy mayor Gudrun Koppers and the chairman of the German-Chinese Society Bocholt, Stefan Schlier, were asked about their impressions and the good relations between Wuxi and Bocholt.

Focus on tourism and business

On the last day of the visit, the cities of Bocholt, Nîmes in France and Szarvas in Hungary had the opportunity to present their respective cities as part of a boat tour on Lake Taihu. The presentation on Bocholt was given by Sonja Wießmeier, Head of EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt, who had travelled with the delegation. The presentation was complemented by an exhibition of typical economic products from Bocholt, such as textiles, bicycle accessories, etc. This event also received special media coverage in China.

Exclusive programme for the city of Bocholt

Before the official celebrations, the Bocholt delegation had the opportunity to visit the Children's Palace. In this facility, children and young people can attend music, sports, art classes and much more. During a guided tour, the Bocholt delegation was able to find out about the variety of programmes on offer. Afterwards, they discussed possible group exchanges with the Chinese contact persons. For example, there are plans to invite the "Wuxi Children's Palace Choir" to Bocholt. The visit to the Wuxi Art Museum also helped to develop further ideas for cooperation. A dinner with Chinese representatives provided the opportunity to present the guest gift, an Easter motif on canvas by Bocholt artist Edlira Basha. A visit to the Wuxi Museum with the 3,000-year history of the city was also on the programme.

Visit to VKF Renzel in Wuxi

Heinz Renzel, Managing Director of VKF Renzel, who also travelled with the delegation, invited the Bocholt delegation to a guided tour of his company in Wuxi on the day of departure. This gave the participants an overview of the company's product range and innovative capabilities. A presentation by the Chinese managing director rounded off the tour. VKF Renzel has maintained business relations with Wuxi and numerous other countries for decades.

Further future for Bocholt and Wuxi

In the future co-operation between the two cities, the contract for the conclusion of an official city friendship is to be concluded in the near future. The city of Wuxi has applied to the central government in Beijing for authorisation to do so. In addition, cultural, sporting and economic exchanges are to be further expanded. For example, a group of pupils from Jiangnan Middle School in Wuxi is expected to visit Bocholt in June.