In October 2014, we extended Portland’s warmest welcome to a very high level delegation from our Sister City Suzhou. The delegation members included: Mr. Zhou, Yulong - Vice Director of Suzhou People’s Congress. Head of delegation. In charge of Agriculture, Economy & Industry for Suzhou.
Mr. Wang, Genwei - Director of Suzhou Education, Science, Culture and Public Health Working Committee, Suzhou People’s Congress
Mr. Zhao, Dexing - Section Chief of Suzhou Culture, Broadcasting, News and Publication Bureau
Mr. Chen, Weijun - Section Chief of Suzhou Reform and Development Commission, & Director of Suzhou Municipal Government to Beijing Liaison Office
Ms. Dorathy Lu - Advisor in Suzhou Foreign Affairs Office
The highlights of their visit included an official meeting with Mayor Charlie Hales in Portland City Hall, a presentation on Portland's "We Build Green Cities" initiatives by Michael Gurton of the Portland Development Commission, and a banquet hosted by the Portland-Suzhou Sister City Association at the University Club.
The delegation also was very warmly welcomed at Nike Campus with a presentation and a walking tour of the campus. They were also able to take in other highlights in Portland and Oregon area.
Their visit was very productive and they expressed interests in the "We Build Green Cities" program and invited the Portland Development Commission for follow-up visits to Suzhou. Our organization helped to make arrangements for the Portland Development Commission's China trip to Suzhou in June 2015.