Delegation from Heidelberg brings a breath of fresh air to Taicang!

Delegation from Heidelberg brings a breath of fresh air to Taicang!

These days the partnership between the Rhein-Neckar district and the Chinese city of Taicang has received new impetus. District Administrator Stefan Dallinger led a delegation from politics, culture and business on an exciting journey to the Far Eastern metropolis. The aim of this delegation trip, which took place at the beginning of August, was not only to deepen existing relationships, but also to create new perspectives for the partnership that has existed since 2019, such as Metropolitan Journal reported.

A highlight of the trip was a visit to an art exhibition entitled “BORDERSLESS – 50 years of art in the Rhein-Neckar district”. This exhibition, which has been on view in Taicang from the beginning of June to the end of October and is attracting great interest, shows works from the Rhein-Neckar District collection, which were put together by the curator Julia Philippi and Chinese partners.

Education and inclusion in focus

Another important point on the agenda was the signing of a cooperation agreement to promote inclusive education and social participation of people with disabilities. Mutual visits and the exchange of teachers were agreed upon. The delegation visited the Inclusion Factory in Taicang, which employs and supports people with disabilities, and was impressed by the exemplary approaches to integration.

An exchange that has existed since 2011 was also deepened: the delegation visited the Jiangsu Taicang Secondary Vocational School, which maintains a school partnership with the Hubert Sternberg School Wiesloch. This shows how closely the educational landscapes in both regions are connected and how the exchange brings mutual benefits.

Economic cooperation

Of course, the economic aspect could not be missing either. The delegation had the opportunity to visit the German Embassy in Beijing, where insights into German-Chinese cooperation were provided. There was also a visit to the German Center in Shanghai, which offers German companies space and advice. Representatives of BASF SE informed the delegation about the existing economic relations between Germany and China, while Professor Dr. Thomas Glatte presented an investment project to further strengthen economic exchange.

During the trip, District Administrator Dallinger emphasized the importance of the municipal partnership: “Despite all the differences, China remains an interesting partner for Germany, and it is important to set common priorities for the benefit of both partners.” This underlines the desire to work together across cultural and economic boundaries.

The diversity and importance of the Rhine as one of the longest rivers in Germany, which flows through North Rhine-Westphalia and passes important cities such as Cologne and Düsseldorf, is always noticeable in this international context. The river, which is not only a natural border but also a traffic artery, challenges connectivity and exchange, both offline and online, where a change of consciousness in social communication and interaction is now required.

Overall, the delegation trip shows how important international partnerships are and how they can grow through active encounters and the exchange of experiences. A step in the right direction for everyone involved!