Greater Shepparton representatives visited the Jintan District in September, during a visit to China in celebration of 30 years of relationship between the Jiangsu Province and Victorian Government. Letters of intent were then signed to enter into a Friendship City Agreement with Jintan.
The Jintan District is located in the Jiangsu Province in southern China with a most recent permanent resident population of 552,047 people. Within its 5 hour economic circle, there are 20 cities with a population of 435 million but with 50 per cent of the national GDP.
The Jintan District was identified as most prosperous for Council, with the pledge of friendship bringing many benefits by allowing Council to further work towards promoting the area and identifying a range of opportunities for Chinese investment.
The friendship city agreement will also promote communication and cooperation on fields of renewable energy, culture and education, increase the potential of trade and establish international student placement and Council exchange opportunities.