Thunder Bay Builds with Partnerships – Ruberto
THUNDER BAY – “Through these partnerships, we can share information between our two cities, and learn new ways of doing things that will help Thunder Bay grow.” A new relationship between the cities of Thunder Bay and Jiaozou, China, brings with it great potential for further partnerships, members of the Sister Cities Committee said.
“Agreements like these are important to the development of Thunder Bay,” said Councillor Aldo Ruberto, Chair – Sister Cities Committee.
Mining Opportunities for Partners
Thunder Bay and Jiaozou both have strong mining industries, which could mean financial partnerships, added John Mason – Project Manager, Mining Services with the CEDC.
“Jiaozou is a mining city, and in Thunder Bay, we’re working hard to position ourselves as a mining hub for the entire region,” Mason said.
“Jiaozou can potentially offer not only expertise, but direct investment, as well, which will help our mining industry grow. There is also an opportunity for Thunder Bay mining supply and service businesses to do business in China.”
Ruberto said Thunder Bay hopes to partner with Jiaozou in other areas, as well, such as research into the health benefits of Tai Chi. Also discussed were links between Confederation College and Lakehead University and Jiaozou’s Henan Polytechnic University – China’s oldest mining university – which could potentially see student and faculty exchanges take place. City representatives have already discussed the possibility with Lakehead, which has begun its own investigation into a relationship with Henan.
Another focus of discussion was the opportunity for tourism exchanges between Thunder Bay and Jiaozou.
A delegation from the City of Thunder Bay visited Jiaozou in late August. It included members of City administration, as well as a representative of Confederation College.
While there, the City delegation signed an agreement with Jiaozou which will see both cities jointly promote Tai Chi. The City will now follow-up on other potential partnerships with Jiaozou, and will invite a delegation from the Chinese city to visit Thunder Bay in 2014.
Related articles
