Guangzhou and Frankfurt.
Building bridges between the Pearl River and the River Main

Since the 1980s, official town twinnings between cities and regions in the People's Republic of China and Germany are making important contributions to the development of friendly relations between the two countries. This is also true of the commercial centers of Guangzhou and Frankfurt on the Main, which in 1988 agreed to cooperate as partners. Both cities have excellent location characteristics which are the reason for their importance as international centers of trade and communication.

Guangzhou is China's traditional gateway to the markets of the world and vice versa and the starting point for the historic Silk Road of the oceans, whereas Frankfurt am Main is one of the most important financial centers in Europe; with a 760 year old trade fair tradition and because of its "world airport", it today is a gateway to Europe for visitors from all continents - and especially for a strongly growing stream of tourists from China.

In the twinning agreement of April 11, 1988, both cities jointly stated their desire to deepen the mutual understanding and friendship between their citizens and thereby to contribute to the welfare of both countries. This declaration of intent is taken seriously from both sides, as can be seen in the balance of activities. On the one hand, this can be seen in the numbers: in spite of the geographic distance, one to two dozen exchange projects are carried out annually, involving round 5000 persons. But taking a look at the contents says more than the mere numbers: Frankfurt cultural weeks and a German book exhibit in Guangzhou, a lion dance and art exhibitions from Guangzhou in the German twin city, among them the excellent unforgettable presentation of the gorgeous funeral treasure of King Zhao Mo. Large fireworks, the "Garden of Fire", a gift from Guangzhou to the citizens of Frankfurt at the occasion of the city anniversary, and in return a Frankfurt Rose Garden for the birthday of the City of Five Goats are only several examples of the fruitful cooperation during past years. The documentation of all exchange programs can be found at www.frankfurt.de under the heading City Twinnings.

Together with other sectors, the areas of commerce, air traffic, environment and municipal services constitute further focal points of the cooperation at the expert level. Here, experiences are shared and important contacts are made for future cooperation.

Regularly occurring encounters, be they in sports in conjunction with football, in dragon boats or simply personally during expanded student exchanges and citizen trips, create fitting opportunities for cultural bridging. Numerous personal connections have grown from these encounters, and they are now friendships that are being cultivated.
The cooperation between Frankfurt on the Main and Guangzhou shows that even if they are far apart, the partnership between the cities provides a substantial contribution to the positive development of international relations. The commitment to build friendly bridges will therefore continue, also during the anniversary year.