Haikou - Hainan Province - China
Last updated | 29/06/2007
The link with Haikou in the Hainan Province of the People's Republic of China originated in the Chinese community in Perth led by Mr John Chan who was and still is Chairman of the Perth, Fife and Aberdeen Joint Chinese Association.
In January 1991, there was a visit by a party from the Chinese Embassy the purpose of which was to progress the proposed link. The Mayor of Haikou City came to Perth and accepted an invitation from Perth Theatre to send children to participate in the 'Peace Child' play during the Festival of the Arts in 1991.
A delegation from Perth & Kinross visited Haikou in 1991, which was the first to Hainan Province by a UK delegation. It was discovered that Haikou, the capital of Hainan Province was an important trading port and a tourist city, which is open to the outside world. The economy, science, technology, tourism, culture and education as well as agriculture were being rapidly developed. It was considered that Perth, being the capital of Perth & Kinross District with its agriculture, tourism, whisky industry, culture and education was a suitable partner and that there was potential for a wide range of co-operation and exchange between the two cities.
It was appreciated by both sides, that because of the distance involved, exchange visits would be rare, however, there was a desire to encourage youth exchange visits. The officials in Haikou were most anxious to attract industry and technological expertise and encourage trade.
Since 1992 many trade delegations have visited Perth and a number of projects have been progressed, involving local companies.
The Perth Flood Prevention Scheme has attracted great interest and local companies will be advising officials in Haikou on a similar scheme. Every year Hainan Province, suffers loss of life and millions of pounds worth of damage from typhoons and monsoons.
In 2000 the Provost of Perth & Kinross and a delegation visited Haikou to strengthen the link and since that visit further trade links have been progressed.
Contacts:
- Judy Harris of Perth & Kinross Council - 01738 475058
- Mr John Chan - 01738 622254
