Gandhinagar, 18 September, 2014

A high level delegation led by China’s Guangdong province’s executive vice government Xu Shaohua and Guangzhou Mayor Chen Jianhua today called on Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben, a day after sister city MoU signed between Ahmedabad and Guangzhou and sister province MoU signed between Gujarat and Guangdong in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Ahmedabad.

Chief Minister observed that there are similarities between Gujarat and Guangdong. Both are coastal states, both are leading manufacturing hubs and prominent in economic progress. While Guangzhou has Pearl river passing through the city, Ahmedabad has Sabarmati river.

Chief Minister suggested a blue print to execute the agreement through an action plan prepared by officials of Gujarat government and Chinese officials. Chief Minister said a cell will be set up in Chief Minister’s office and the subjects covered under the MoU will be designated.

Chief Minister pointed out that Gujarati community/ families living in China should participate in Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebration in January 2015 which is to be hosted by Gujarat state.

She also invited Guangzhou Mayor to lead the delegation in Vibrant Gujarat 2015 summit for MoUs in industrial, commerce, trade and manufacturing sector.

Guangdong executive vice governor and Guangzhou Mayor invited Gujarat delegation to Export-Import fair in China in October. Both dignitaries invited Gujarat Chief Minister to visit China.

Background:

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed establishing ‘Sister Province’ relations between Guangdong, China and Gujarat, India. The MoU covers cooperation in economy and trade, environmental protection, public policy education, health, science and technology, tourism and culture.

Through this MOU, both the sister provinces will also extend mutual cooperation in the fields of sports, youth affairs, urban planning, waste water management, infrastructure, environment, public health and exchange of economic and trade delegations.

On the same lines, a MOU was signed between the cities of Guangzhou, China and Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India for closer cooperation between the local authorities of the two cities. This will facilitate engagements in the fields of economy and trade, environment protection, public policy, education, health, science and technology, tourism and culture. Knowledge sharing will be done through delegation visits, institutional meetings and sharing of experiences in areas of mutual interest.