Blantyre and China’s Nanchang City sign partnership agreement

Blantyre City Council on Saturday signed an Aide-Memoire marking the beginning of a process of establishing Sister City relationship with Nanchang City of China.

The signing ceremony, graced by the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Kondwani Nankhumwa, took place at Civic Centre in Blantyre.

Mayor Noel Chalamanda signed on behalf of Blantyre City while Zhou Guan, Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference of Nanchang chairperson, signed on behalf of Nanchang City.

The signing of the pact was in recognition by the two cities of a need for special relationship based on mutual respect and also a wish to solidify the commitment to each other.

Blantyre City Council reaffirmed its appreciation of the magnificient Chinese investment in city which has greatly enriched all areas of development including; economy, culture, technology and academia.

The two cities have agreed to foster mutual understanding, exchanges, promotion and cooperation in the development in economy and trade, education, culture and other fields of cooperation and communication.

Blantyre and Nanchang have also agreed to exchange visits, promote and cooperate in business enterprises and eventually to sign the agreement to establish friendly relations between them.

“We will encourage the involvement of individuals, businesses and institutions in our twinning relationship to develop a spirit of cooperation and create strong bonds of friendship,” reads part of the aide-memoire.

Before the signing of the pact, Blantyre City Council on Friday took the six member delegation on a tour of the City showing them Chirimba, Likhubula, Mbayani and also the city centre before a visit to Amitofo Care Centre.

On Saturday, immediately after the signing ceremony, the Mayor accompanied the delegation to Mangochi for the visitors to have a feel of Lake Malawi and a taste of fresh Chambo fish.