FENLAND’S links with the People’s Republic of China have been strengthened by the signing of a new memorandum promoting “mutual understanding and friendship”.

It follows a second visit by a five-man group from the Quzhou municipality in eastern China.

The memorandum says the two parties “will strive to carry out exchanges and cooperation in various forms in the fields of economy, trade, science and technology, culture, education, sports, tourism, healthcare and personnel exchanges”.

They will also try to “formally establish a Sister Cities relationship to promote common prosperity and development”.

The memorandum was signed by Councillor Alan Melton, FDC’s Leader, and Mr Du Kang, consultant to the People’s Government of Quzhou. Councillor Chris Seaton, FDC’s Deputy Leader, also attended the talks along with council officers.

This month’s meeting was the fourth between FDC councillors and officers and visitors from various parts of China over the past 18 months.

Cllr Melton said: “It was a very friendly meeting and we have more in common than you might think. We are keen to create new business links and to encourage inward investment here and they are also looking to diversify their economy. This memorandum will help promote that.”

The visit was arranged by Patrick Horsley from Cambridge Visits, who had earlier briefed the group on accountability and transparency within local government in England and on the work of the Audit Commission.