Surabaya, East Java (ANTARA) - Mayor of Surabaya, East Java, Eri Cahyadi, welcomed the visit of the Chinese Consul General in Surabaya, Xu Yong, to discuss efforts to strengthen sister cities, including by establishing cooperation in investment and technology.
Cahyadi said that his party has partnered with Xiamen and Guangzhou cities in the education, culture, and technology fields under the sister-city scheme.
"Consul General Yong is looking for more useful activities. I offered sectors related to tourism, construction building, and transportation," he informed on Tuesday
A sister-city partnership is a formal relationship between cities in different countries. The relationship is forged for various reasons, including to promote cultural, economic, and educational interests.
The Chinese Consul General plans to invite Cahyadi and the ranks of the Surabaya city government to China for a follow-up discussion on the cooperation.
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"Many cities will be invited as well. We are looking for cities similar to Surabaya and we will establish cooperation. I am ready," Cahyadi said.
His party is focusing on two aspects, with the first one being collaboration with Chinese investors for land development in Surabaya. This will include the utilization of the Surabaya Expo Center (SBEC) as a multifunctional area using the concept of Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE).
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"We are focusing on land development because this city has a lot of land. Investors can add game arcades to attract visitors," he added.
Meanwhile, the second development aspect is strengthening the Chinatown ambiance of the Kya-Kya Kembang Jepun area of Surabaya. According to Cahyadi, the Chinese Consul General said that many Chinese citizens visit Kya-Kya Kembang Jepun during their trip to Surabaya.
"We can install one icon in Kya-Kya, such as a Pagoda or Panda statue to emphasize Kya-Kya as Surabaya's Chinatown," he said.
