CC - Item 2A - Exploration of Opportunities for a Future Sister City in China• �1 •
TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JEFF ALLRED, CITY MANAGER
DATE: AUGUST 1, 2011
SUBJECT: EXPLORATION OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR A FUTURE SISTER CITY IN
CHINA
SUMMARY
Cities throughout California and the United States engage in "sister city" relationships
with communities in other countries to enhance cultural understanding and exchange of
ideas; to establish and maintain international friendship and goodwill; and to promote
potential opportunities for mutual economic benefit. For many years the City has
maintained an active sister city relationship with Keelung, Taiwan. A similar long -term
sister city relationship with Zapopan, Mexico has been less active in recent years.
Rosemead's current Sister City Committee has suggested that Rosemead should
expand its horizons to consider the potential of establishing a future sister relationship
with a city in China as well. Over the past few years, delegations from several cities in
China that have visited Rosemead have expressed interest in establishing a sister city
relationship. Any future selection of a sister city by the City Council should come as a
result of thorough research and exploration involving the Sister City Committee.
Staff Recommendation:
That the City Council: 1.) direct the Sister City Committee to research and explore the
potential for a future sister city in China and report back to the City Council; and 2.)
authorize the Mayor to sign a letter regarding the exploration of the establishment of a
"friendship city" relationship with Bozhou City in China.
BACKGROUND /ANALYSIS
The concept of "sister cities" was developed under the administration of President
Dwight D. Eisenhower in the 1950's. Generally, the purpose of having sister cities is
three -fold: 1) to enhance cultural understanding and exchange of ideas 2.) to establish
and maintain international friendship and goodwill; 2.) to promote mutual economic
benefit.
For many years City of Rosemead has maintained an active "sister city" relationship
with Keelung City in Taiwan. This sister city relationship has been marked by reciprocal
APPROVED FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA:
City Council Meeting
August 1, 2011
Page 2 of 2
visits by delegations and students from the two cities for several years. For example,
earlier this summer a delegation of Taiwanese college students (including
representation from Keelung) and a faculty advisor visited Rosemead. In 2010, the
Mayor of Keelung and a delegation of government officials visited Rosemead, and in
turn a delegation of Rosemead business leaders and city officials visited Keelung later
that year.
In September of 2009, while affirming its commitment to the sister city program, the City
Council established a policy that prohibits payments by the City for expenditures related
to travel to and from sister cities. That policy has been adhered to since its adoption by
the City Council.
Rosemead's current Sister City Committee has suggested that Rosemead should
expand its horizons to consider the potential of establishing a future sister relationship
with a city in China. Over the past few years, delegations from several cities in China
have visited Rosemead, most often through connections made through the Rosemead
Chamber of Commerce. Any future selection of a sister city by the City Council should
come as a result of thorough research and exploration involving participation by the
Sister City Committee.
Most recently, a representative of Bozhou City in the Anhui Province of China has
arranged for a delegation to visit Rosemead and has asked the City to explore the
potential of establishing a "friendship city" relationship with that city. A delegation from
Bozhou City is scheduled to make a brief visit to Rosemead on August 5 The
Bozhou City representative has requested a letter affirming that the parties intend to
explore the potential for establishing a "friendship city' relationship, which could possibly
lead to a future "sister city" relationship. Attached is the letter that has been drafted for
this purpose.
Attachment
Exploration of the Establishment of a
"Friendship City" Relationship Between
Bozhou City in China And
The City of Rosemead in the United States of America
In order to promote better understanding between the people of China and the United
States and to develop friendly cooperation, exchange and common prosperity between
Bozhou City and the City of Rosemead on the basis of "good neighbor" relations, the
City of Rosemead and Bozhou City desire to explore the establishment of a relationship
of friendly discourse, exchange and cooperation as follows:
Based on principles of respect, equality and mutual benefit, both parties
will develop communication to promote exchange in various fields of
interest and endeavor including administration, education, art, health,
sports, science and technology so as to promote common prosperity and
quality of life.
2. The leaders of both cities will keep in contact with each other in order to
explore the establishment of a friendship relationship between the parties.
3. This letter of intent will be effective on the dates of signature by the
respective parties.
4. This letter of intent will be provided in both Chinese and English. Both
versions are equally authentic.
Mayor Date
City of Rosemead, State of California, USA
Mayor Date
Bozhou Municipality, Anhui Province, PRC