30th anniversary of Guangzhou's friendly ties with Lyon, France

Guangzhou and Lyon of France celebrate the 30th anniversary of their friendship in Guangzhou, Guangdong province from May 6 to 9. [Photo/eguangzhou.gov.cn]

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the sister-city friendship between Guangzhou and Lyon, a city in France, David Kimelfeld, chairman of Grand Lyon (or Métropole de Lyon), and mayor of Lyon Georges Kepenekian visited Guangzhou, Guangdong province on May 6-9, with a delegation of more than 70 people.

Kepenekian promoted his city's food, trade, culture, tourism and other aspects at the Guangzhou-Lyon economic and trade fair, and introduced its investment environment, exchanges and business opportunities.

Mayor of Lyon, Georges Kepenekian, introduces the city's food, trade, culture and tourism at the Guangzhou-Lyon economic and trade fair on May 6. [Photo/eguangzhou.gov.cn]

The two sides will sign a memorandum of understanding to further strengthen exchange and cooperation between Guangzhou and the Grand Lyon of France and the government of Lyon.

A series of activities will also be organized within the year to deepen economic and trade cooperation, scientific and technologic innovation, education, tourism, cultural exchange between the two cities.

Future plans include a solar bike riding activity from Lyon to Guangzhou from June to August, a tour by the Guangzhou youth symphony orchestra in Lyon at the end of July, and some major international promotional conferences between November and December.

Lyon, the capital of the Rhône-Alpes region, is the second largest city in France after Paris; it is also one of the most important industrial and commercial centers in France.                                   

Guangzhou presented a large sculpture as a gift to the Institut Franco-Chinois de Lyon in 2014 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and France. The institute, founded in 1921, was China's first overseas university. [Photo/eguangzhou.gov.cn]