October 22, 2014 12.02 pm This story is over 113 months old

Lincoln twinning agreed with Chinese city

Business opportunities: A historic relationship between Lincoln and the Chinese city of Nanchang was sparked on October 21 as an official twinning agreement took place.
Mayor of Lincoln Brent Charlesworth celebrates signing the twinning agreement with the Mayor of Nanchang, Guo An.

A historic relationship between Lincoln and the Chinese city of Nanchang was sparked on October 21 as an official twinning agreement took place.

The official twinning agreement was signed yesterday in the Guildhall by the Right Worshipful Mayor of Lincoln Brent Charlesworth and the Mayor of Nanchang, Guo An.

City of Lincoln Council agreed to twin with Nanchang following an approach by Nanchang City Council and the University of Lincoln, which has an important strategic and business relationship with its counterpart in China.

Nanchang has a population of more than five million and is one of the 35 largest cities in China.

It is the capital of Jiangxi Province and is positioned in the north west of the Province, in south eastern China.

The twinning follows a landmark formal sister city agreement being signed in March this year.

Aside from the wider benefits of collaboration, attracting students from China is an important element of the University’s business plan and indeed also for Lincoln College.

Councillor Charlesworth said: “Students from China represent a significant boost to Lincoln’s economy.

“There are already more than 1,600 students from China studying in Lincoln and it is estimated they spend an average of £20,000 each every year, representing a boost to the local economy of more than £32 million.

“Both universities and Nanchang City Council feel that a formal sister city relationship will maximise the potential and open up wider business opportunities.

“Chinese tourists are also hugely important to Lincoln and this agreement will help to raise awareness of our wonderful city as a tourist destination and create a long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationship between Lincoln and one of China’s most influential cities.

“Not only do the city’s links with China increase the local economy, but this connection also adds significantly to our diverse communities and cultures.

“It is a great honour to use the office of Mayor to attract inward investment to our city, and to encourage and welcome international students and visitors. I hope to see even greater contributions to our local economy.”