Fuzhou and Tacoma celebrate 30 years of ties

Visitors from Tacoma visit the photo exhibition on June 24. [Photo/FZ Evening News]

In Nov 1994, Fuzhou, capital of East China's Fujian province, established a sister city relationship with Tacoma, Washington, the United States. Over the past 30 years, the two cities have cooperated closely.

As part of the Bond with Kuliang: 2024 China-US Youth Festival, a photo exhibition commemorating the 30th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Fuzhou and Tacoma was launched in Fuzhou on June 24.

During the festival, Mayor Victoria Woodards of Tacoma led a delegation to Fuzhou, marking her first visit to the city. This visit signaled a new chapter of exchange and interaction between Fuzhou and Tacoma.

Fuzhou and Tacoma share many similarities, boasting high forest coverage and important ports. Tacoma's expertise in industries like wood processing, metallurgical casting, shipbuilding, and food processing complements Fuzhou's industrial strengths.

Since their friendship began, Tacoma has sent 51 delegations with 276 visitors to Fuzhou, while Fuzhou has reciprocated with 45 delegations totaling 285 visitors to Tacoma. These exchanges have strengthened ties and led to collaborations in trade, culture, education, and sports.

Through their bond with Tacoma, Fuzhou has showcased its authentic and open nature to the world, serving as another gateway for international connections.

On Sept 26, 2012, Joseph Lonergan, then Tacoma's deputy mayor, joined over 10 Americans who had previously lived or worked in Kuliang on a special trip to Fuzhou to trace their roots.

During the Bond with Kuliang: 2024 China-US Youth Festival, many young participants from Tacoma continued the tradition of friendly exchanges between Fuzhou and Tacoma, contributing to enduring China-US youth relations resonating across the Pacific shores.