When Melbourne and Tianjin became sister cities in 1980, it was an act of faith. Less than a decade after diplomatic relations had resumed between Australia and China, our cities forged a unique alliance. It was the first such agreement by any Australian capital city government.
A western knowledge centre at the gateway to Asia and a modern Asian city whose long academic history makes it the birthplace of higher education, Melbourne and Tianjin are pioneer economic centres, sharing a commitment to innovation-led growth.
In 1998, the City of Melbourne opened the Melbourne Office Tianjin, sparking invaluable two-way business and investment exchange. The Tianjin Government Leaders Training Program soon followed, linking commercial, education and government institutions and establishing relationships through which future business activities can be explored.
Since the city’s formative years, Melbourne’s Chinese community has had a welcome influence on commercial and cultural life. Our relationship with Tianjin acknowledges that legacy and builds upon it.
Indeed, as you enter Melbourne’s Chinatown today, you’ll pass two striking symbols of a warm and enduring alliance – the beautiful Tianjin light poles erected in May 2009.
Lord Mayor Robert Doyle