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.

Chongqing and Dusseldorf, two cities nestled along the Yangtze River and the banks of the Rhine, respectively, mark a significant milestone this year as they celebrate two decades of friendship. Established as sister cities on July 22, 2004, the bond between these two metropolises has flourished over the years, fostering cooperation across various domains.

Dusseldorf, the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany, shines as one of the nation's paramount economic and trade centers. Hosting the headquarters of global giants like Metro Group, E.ON Energy, ThyssenKrupp Steel, and Henkel Chemicals, the city boasts a landscape rich in industrial prowess. It houses approximately 100 foreign consulates and economic trade agencies and serves as the European headquarters for over 600 Chinese companies, including industry Chinese technology behemoth Huawei.

Birthplace to the renowned poet and comrade of Marx, Heinrich Heine, Dusseldorf has immortalized its literary legacy. In homage to Heine, the esteemed Dusseldorf University bears the name "Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf," a beacon of intellectual enlightenment in Europe and beyond.

Over the years, exchanges between the mayors of Dusseldorf and representatives of the German-Chinese Friendship Association have been frequent, with visits to Chongqing fostering bonds of cooperation. Similarly, Chongqing's leadership has reciprocated these visits, forging trade, culture, and beyond partnerships. The inauguration of the China-Europe Railway Express in March 2011 further cemented the ties between these dynamic cities.

In November 2014, Dusseldorf received accolades from the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, earning the "Friendship City Exchange Cooperation Award."

In recent years, both cities have collaborated on numerous economic and trade promotion activities, facilitating dialogues and fostering business ventures. Dusseldorf's representation at the inaugural Smart China Expo and the China-Chongqing International Friendship City Mayors Roundtable Meeting is noteworthy among these initiatives. 

The Chongqing Municipal Government Port Logistics Office has established a European liaison office in Dusseldorf, Germany. This strategic move aims to streamline communication and facilitate trade between Chongqing and European partners. Yuxinou (Chongqing) Logistics Co Ltd has also partnered with the Economic Promotion Agencies of Dusseldorf and Duisburg, signing a trilateral logistics cooperation agreement. 

Cultural exchanges between Chongqing and Dusseldorf have flourished, enriching the lives of residents and deepening mutual understanding.

The two cities have held the Sino-German Learning City—Urban Renewal Forum at Chongqing University. Sichuan Foreign Languages University also established the Heine Center to honor the renowned poet. Furthermore, Schiller High School in Dusseldorf and Chongqing's Experimental Middle School (formerly Baxian Middle School) have formed a sister school relationship to facilitate student and teacher exchanges.

Moreover, Chongqing XinQiao Hospital and Dusseldorf University's St. Vinzenz Hospital have established an academic exchange mechanism. The Sichuan Fine Arts Institute and Dusseldorf have also regularly exchanged with artists.

The two cities jointly hosted events like the Chongqing-Dusseldorf Friendship City Day Concert at the Shanghai World Expo City Square. Additionally, Chongqing has held events in Dusseldorf, such as the "Perception of China—Crossing the New Silk Road" Yuxinou International Railway Cultural Journey, fostering cultural and economic exchanges.

Chongqing has also dispatched art delegations to participate in Dusseldorf's Chinese Festival activities. The donation of the Bifold Pavilion by the Chongqing Municipal Government in Dusseldorf symbolizes the deep cultural exchange and friendship between the two cities.

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