A delegation from German Jülich, a sister city of Taicang, made a promotion and study tour to Taicang and further mutual ties during June 20 and 21.

Shen Mi, Party Secretary of Taicang, Wang Jianguo, deputy Party secretary and mayor and other important municipal officials gave the visiting group a reception meeting.

Shen emphasized in his keynote speaking, Taicang’s vital importance in promoting China-Germany partnership as the only regional regional government in China invited to speak at the great China-Germany Forum: Shaping Innovation Together event held in the beginning of this June.

He said this moment to be a great opportunity for both sides to seek furthered cooperation and achieve mutual benefits when Germany is now boosting its “Industry 4.0” initiative and China is pushing forward its “Made in China 2025” plan.

Axel Fuchs, mayor of Jülich, put it, Taicang and Jülich play active parts in propelling China-Germany relations. He praised Taicang to be a well-matched partner with common interests in environmental protection, scientific research, and talent training. Fuchs hoped to work with Taicang in cultural, sports, social welfare, economic, training and research sectors.

Taicang and Jülich signed a letter of intent on May 11 to become twin cities.

The delegation gave a conference during their days in Taicang, to promote Jülich’s excellence in scientific research and education.

Jülich is said to be a cradle of German scientists. It is home to European second largest research institute, the Jülich research center, and 65 other research institutes focused on studies about energy, environment, information technology, medical science, neuroscience, physics and brain science.

The prestigious German Aachen University of Applied Sciences also builds a campus in the area.

The Solar Energy Research Institute of the Aachen University of Applied Sciences founded in 1991 in Jülich. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Martin Schulz, vice mayor of Jülich, said Jülich to be developing its industrial zones and looked forward to co-working with Taicang in advancing industries.

The delegation finally toured around the Taicang City Planning Exhibition Hall, university science park, China-Germany training center, Mubea Automotive Components (Taicang) Co., Ltd, a branch plant set by German Mubea Group, a global market leader in the development and manufacture of automobile products, the China-Germany cooperation exhibition hall, scenic Shaxi town which has been included in China’s Tentative List for UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites, and Taicang Modern Agricultural Park.

Axel Fuchs (sixth from left), Jülich mayor and other delegates pose for a group photo at the Taicang City Planning Exhibition Hall. [Photo from tctzb.gov.cn]