Origins of the Relationship

The partnership between Chongqing and Wales was recommended by Premier Wen Jiabao during his visit to Wales (as Vice Premier with responsibility for the Western Provinces) in 2000.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Chongqing Municipal Government and the Welsh Assembly Government , agreeing to collaboration and co-operation in a number of areas, was signed during the visit to Chongqing by First Minister for Wales Rhodri Morgan in March 2006.  In September 2006, a Welsh Affairs Officer (Qingyun Ma) was appointed to the British Consulate General in Chongqing to take forward the Chongqing-Wales relationship.  A second post (Karen Xing) was added in September 2007.  

A formal Co-operation Agreement between Wales and Chongqing was signed during First Minister Rhodri Morgan’s visit to Chongqing in March 2008.  The Mayor of Chongqing, Wang Honju, visited Wales in August 2008.

Economic and Trade Development

Since 2006 five economic development delegations from Chongqing have visited Wales, and three delegations from Wales have visited Chongqing.  

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Chongqing Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Commission (COFTEC) and International Business Wales (IBW) was signed in October 2007 for co-operation in the fields of economic development, trade and investment.

Chongqing Tianhai Medical Equipment Company and Enfis from Wales signed a joint venture contract in August 2008.  Tianhai have established a representative sales office in Cardiff.

Science and Technology

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for co-operation and collaboration between Techniquest (Science Education Centre, Wales) and the Chongqing Science and Technology Association was signed in December 2008.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in March 2009 between the Chongqing Science and Technology Commission and the Technology and Innovation Division of the Welsh Assembly Government for co-operation and collaboration in the fields of science, technology, innovation and research, with a particular focus on health, low carbon energy, and sustainable economic and social renewal.

Education

A Welsh Assembly Government-funded schools project, managed by British Council, links more than 40 Welsh schools with schools in Chongqing.  There have been several exchange visits by the schools to Chongqing and to Wales.  

The school links project includes a curriculum development element. A number of areas for co-operation have been identified and are being pursued.

There have been discussions to explore interest in and potential for collaboration (joint courses, student and staff exchanges) between universities in Chongqing and Wales.  A number of relationships have already been established : between Chongqing South West University and Glyndwr University; between Sichuan Fine Arts Institute and University of Wales Institute Cardiff; and between Chongqing University and Cardiff University.  These have included staff and student exchanges, and joint exhibitions.

Environment

There have been discussions on and agreement in principle to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for collaboration and co-operation between the Chongqing Environmental Protection Bureau and the Countryside Council for Wales.  The MOU is expected to be signed in 2009.

Agriculture/Forestry Management

There have been exchange visits between Chongqing and Wales in the field of agriculture and forestry management .  A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on collaboration in a range of forestry management matters was signed by Chongqing Forestry Bureau and Forestry Commission Wales in March 2007.  A number of specific projects for collaboration have been identified.

Tourism

Discussions have been held with Chongqing-based tour operators to develop a Wales-focused tour programme to the UK

Urban Planning

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Chongqing Planning Bureau and the Welsh Assembly Government Planning Department was signed in September 2007.  Work has begun on identifying and developing professional development initiatives, including training in Wales for Chongqing planning officials.

Youth Work Exchange

There have been exchange and reciprocal visits to Chongqing and Wales by youth workers, educationalists and youth leaders.  A cultural exchange programme has been developed between Chongqing Children’s Palace and Carmarthenshire Local Education Authority. Chongqing delegates visited Wales in October 2008.

Healthcare

The Chief Medical Officer of the Welsh Assembly Government has visited Chongqing for discussions with Chongqing Public Health Bureau and Chongqing Medical University about public health priorities and tripartite university links between Chongqing Medical University, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Cardiff University.  A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by the three universities in March 2009.  

Collaboration between Welsh Assembly Government and Chongqing Public Health Bureau/Centre for Disease Control in the field of health promotion includes training in primary health care matters in Wales.  

Governance

Discussions have been held on proposals for a leadership/development programme focussed on sustainable development principles.

A high level delegation from the Standing Committee of the Chongqing Municipal People’s Congress, led by Vice Chair Chen Yatang, visited Wales in October 2007, and Mayor of Chongqing, Wang Honju, led a high-level delegation to Wales in August 2008.  

Culture

Links are being developed between the Wales Millennium Centre (Cardiff) and the new Grand Theatre (Chonqqing).

In October 2008 the National Museum of Wales and the Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum signed a Letter of Intent in respect of future collaboration.  A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed in May 2009.

Wales Week

The Welsh Assembly Government organised a 3rd Wales Week in Chongqing in March 2009 which included a series of Wales-related business, tourism, education and cultural events.  This followed successful Wales Weeks held in Chongqing in 2007 and 2008.

European & External Affairs
Welsh Assembly Government
April 2009

For further information contact: Sian.Furminger@Wales.gsi.gov.uk
or visit www.wales.com