Sister cities: Lessons from Shandong’s approach to connectivity
Collaboration, diplomacy and dialogue took centre stage as the recent 2025 Shandong International Sister City Cooperation and Exchange Week in China.
Held in the city of Jinan, the event brought together dignitaries, diplomats, and city representatives from around the world, all focused on enhancing sister-city relations. Shandong Province in eastern China continues to lead efforts to strengthen existing partnerships and forge new linkages. With more than 685 friendship cities across 105 countries, Shandong is positioning itself as a global hub for cultural, educational, and economic collaboration.
But what lessons can the Caribbean draw from such an initiative? Several Caribbean nations have already laid the groundwork for meaningful connections. For instance, Trinidad’s capital Port of Spain maintains sister-city agreements with municipalities in China.
A powerful symbol of this collaboration was the presence of Angostura Rum, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most iconic exports, showcased alongside other international products.
A representative from Angostura’s distributor in China, Steven Huang, general manager in China of First Caribbean Management Company, said: “Many people in Shandong have shown great interest in Angostura. This event not only showcases the investment potential and cultural charm of Trinidad and Tobago but also builds a bridge for cooperation between China and Trinidad and Tobago through the brand story of Angostura.”
His statement underscores the potential of strategic international partnerships.
Even more promising is the role of culture in shaping future collaborations. With its rich music, vibrant festivals, worldrenowned cuisine and deep-rooted heritage, the Caribbean is well positioned as a premium destination for tourism and cultural exchange. Opportunities such as university partnerships, artistic delegations and joint festivals were identified as key avenues for fostering people-to-people connections. The Chinese government has already promised further cultural ties with the Caribbean, as announced by President Xi Jinping at the Fourth CELAC Forum recently.
“Sister City Agreements are more than symbolic gestures; they serve as the foundation for meaningful cooperation, fostering economic, cultural and educational exchanges,” Ron Nirenberg, mayor of San Antonio in Texas, aptly stated. (QSJ)
Held in the city of Jinan, the event brought together dignitaries, diplomats, and city representatives from around the world, all focused on enhancing sister-city relations. Shandong Province in eastern China continues to lead efforts to strengthen existing partnerships and forge new linkages. With more than 685 friendship cities across 105 countries, Shandong is positioning itself as a global hub for cultural, educational, and economic collaboration.
But what lessons can the Caribbean draw from such an initiative? Several Caribbean nations have already laid the groundwork for meaningful connections. For instance, Trinidad’s capital Port of Spain maintains sister-city agreements with municipalities in China.
A powerful symbol of this collaboration was the presence of Angostura Rum, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most iconic exports, showcased alongside other international products.
A representative from Angostura’s distributor in China, Steven Huang, general manager in China of First Caribbean Management Company, said: “Many people in Shandong have shown great interest in Angostura. This event not only showcases the investment potential and cultural charm of Trinidad and Tobago but also builds a bridge for cooperation between China and Trinidad and Tobago through the brand story of Angostura.”
His statement underscores the potential of strategic international partnerships.
Even more promising is the role of culture in shaping future collaborations. With its rich music, vibrant festivals, worldrenowned cuisine and deep-rooted heritage, the Caribbean is well positioned as a premium destination for tourism and cultural exchange. Opportunities such as university partnerships, artistic delegations and joint festivals were identified as key avenues for fostering people-to-people connections. The Chinese government has already promised further cultural ties with the Caribbean, as announced by President Xi Jinping at the Fourth CELAC Forum recently.
“Sister City Agreements are more than symbolic gestures; they serve as the foundation for meaningful cooperation, fostering economic, cultural and educational exchanges,” Ron Nirenberg, mayor of San Antonio in Texas, aptly stated. (QSJ)