Richmond's already strong ties with China got even stronger Friday with the signing of a sister city agreement with Xiamen.
Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie and six city councillors were in China last week as part of an Asian junket involving 21 delegates from Richmond.
The four-day trip was intended to improve business, trade and tourism relationships between Richmond and Asia.
Delegates represented Tourism Richmond, the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Trinity Western University.
The sister city agreement is intended to promote exchanges and cooperation between the two cities, with a particular focus on tourism and economic development. The city also has sister city agreements with Pierrefonds, Quebec, and Wakayama, Japan.
During the visit, Tourism Richmond and the Xiamen Tourism Authority signed a cross-promotional agreement, under which Chinese tour operators can endorse Richmond as a Canadian travel destination.
Nearly half of Richmond's population is of Chinese descent. Many of the city's recent immigrants have come from the Xiamen and Fujian region, and many Richmond businesses have trade connections there, according to the city.
A number of significant investments in Richmond in recent years have involved investors from China. The latest was the purchase of Duck Island, west of River Rock Casino, by the Jingon International Development Group. The company wants to build a conference centre and up to six hotels.
The Xiamen visit was sponsored by China Eastern Airlines, which is working on establishing direct flights between Richmond and Xiamen.
