AFTER celebrating 25 years as sister cities, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is looking to move beyond a cultural exchange and strengthen the trade and economic development relationship with the Japanese city of Handa.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mayor Peter Besseling was one of five representatives of a trade delegation that travelled to Handa in April, with a clear view of "strengthening existing ties and exploring new opportunities for businesses between our two areas".
"As a result of the visit, the relationship is extending beyond a cultural exchange to capitalise on export, trade and education opportunities for both parties," Cr Besseling said. "We are also pleased to announce that a reciprocal visit is being finalised for a delegation including the Handa City Mayor, three city officials and 16 businessmen in August.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for local businesses to initiate a trade relationship with our sister city and to explore further economic opportunities between our two countries."
Cr Besseling said Council was also keen to explore how existing relationships can be leveraged and whether the recently signed Japanese free trade agreement may "help open doors to future trade".
In addition to Cr Besseling, Deputy Mayor Justin Levido, Economic Development Steering Group Committee member Councillor Trevor Sergeant and Handa Sister City Sub-Committee member Jenny Mead, the local contingent was joined by Charles Sturt University's Port Macquarie Head of Campus Professor Heather Cavanagh.
"On the back of successful education and cultural exchanges, we're hoping to strengthen partnerships between education providers and open up opportunities for international students, particularly nursing students," Cr Besseling explained.
"Given more than 300 Handa Higashi students have visited Port Macquarie since 1999, we see a lot of potential for international students as well as complimentary research potential.
"Since returning, discussions have continued with Nihon Fukushi University and Handa Tokoname Nursing College, with the view to establishing agreements with local education providers for the very first time.
"The successful supply of Cassegrain wines to the Shinkansen (Japanese Bullet trains) was built on the back of this sister city relationship and I am confident that we can once again establish partnerships that can drive an economic benefit for the Hastings and Handa."