Leeds celebrates 21 years of partnership with the city of Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, this year. The partnership continues to see co-operation in the fields of business, education and culture as local interest continues to grow in all things Chinese.
Business
Business links between the cities grow from strength to strength each year as Leeds businesses are able to gain a competitive advantage in entering the vast Chinese market through co-operation with the Hangzhou Economic Development Agency (HEDA) and the Leeds Initiative partners. Areas of co-operation pursued by the two cities have included tourism, property, environmental technologies and educational training. Hangzhou hosts the Chinese office of Yorkshire Forward and other business organisations with a focus on developing Chinese links for Leeds and the region.
Culture
Leeds and Hangzhou also have strong cultural links. Leeds has organised a number of China-related events such as the ‘Spotlight on China’ festival in 2004, which consisted of a vibrant programme of arts & cultural activities plus business networking opportunities.
During 2008 Leeds took part in the China in Yorkshire festival, which has involved 5 key cities across Yorkshire looking at Chinese culture and the influence of Chinese citizens in Yorkshire. Hangzhou museums and galleries have collaborated with Leeds City Council to put together a collection of artefacts and objects.
Forthcoming partnership activities between the two cities will include Hangzhou’s involvement in the ‘Leeds in’ worldwide promotional events, new business partnerships in the legal and university sectors and a fund raising event organised by the Lord Mayor of Leeds’ charity appeal entitled ‘A Flavour of China’ on 27th April 2010. The event takes place at Headingley Experience, Headingley Stadium on Tuesday 27 April from 6.00pm - 8.30pm. Tickets cost £8 per person. To book tickets to 'A Flavour of China' please telephone 0113 3950688 or email galina.yakova@leeds.gov.uk
Get involved
If you would like more information on the Hangzhou – Leeds partnership or if you would like to get involved, please contact us using the contact details on the top right hand side of this page.