Polish port city Gdynia becomes Zhuhai's new sister

Gdynia, a port city in Poland, became Zhuhai's 13th sister city when Deputy Mayor Liu Jiawen signed an agreement with the head of Gdynia's City Council, Joanna Zielinska, at the Zhuhai Holiday Resort Hotel on May 17.

The two cities will carry out exchanges and cooperate in many fields based on equality and mutual benefit. Both will focus on strengthening economic and trade cooperation, sharing information, bolstering economic and trade ties, and supporting investment projects. 

Zielinska said she was glad to sign the agreement, saying that both cities have grown out of small villages into special economic zones with the best livable environment.

Polish delegation visits Gree Electric Appliances [Photo by Zhao Xuejun, Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Gdynia was established in 1926 on the south coast of Baltic Sea covering 136 sq m. With population of around 250,000, it has developed into an important seaport as well as a hub for marine economy, international trade, science, education, culture, and tourism.

Though far apart, Gdynia and Zhuhai have enjoyed close relations cemented through frequent high-level visits since 2012.

Zhuhai was established in 1979. With decades of development, it is fast-growing with much potential due to government support and geographic advantages. It has a population of 1.67 million. Last year, Zhuhai's GDP was 222.6 billion yuan ($32.3 billion), with GDP per capita exceeding $20,000, which ranks it among the world's high-income economies.

Liu detailed Zhuhai's development history and current situations to the delegation and talked about construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area that has become a national strategy to bring about another strategic development opportunity. He hoped that Gdynia will carry out more trade and economic cooperation with Zhuhai for common development.

Joanna Skoczek, consul general of the Republic of Poland in Guangzhou, attended the ceremony.