Representatives from Sunderland, including members of the business and education communities, have been in China to sign a friendship agreement with the city of Harbin, the provincial capital of the Heilongjiang Province in North Eastern China.

The agreement was signed at a ceremony in Harbin by the Chief Executive of Sunderland City Council, Dave Smith, and the Mayor of Harbin.

Hetton School is already set to develop a partnership with Number 76 Middle School in Harbin. Pupils will exchange emails, video diaries and podcasts to share experiences, ideas and to learn more about the different culture and lifestyle.

Harbin, which is the 10th largest city in China and has a population of 10 million, is still enjoying rapid economic growth and is seen as a gateway to Asia and key markets in Russia and South Korea.  It is a major centre for power generation, chemicals and automotives with developing industries in ICT, electronics and software.

As part of the friendship agreement, Sunderland and Harbin will be working closely to encourage economic development and boost trade links between the two cities. There will also be educational and cultural exchanges and programmes.

Chief Executive Dave Smith said: “China is an important world power and Harbin is one of its key provincial cities enjoying rapid growth. The Agreement will focus on boosting economic development and generating new educational and cultural links for our city.

“The Agreement will also mean that schools from the two cities will work together to enable our children and young people to learn more about the different cultures."

The trade mission has been organised by Sunderland City Council in partnership with the North East Chamber of Commerce, UK Trade & Investment and regional development agency One North East.

Several of the city’s businesses are taking part to develop links and explore opportunities with Chinese counterparts along with representatives from Sunderland Software City, who will be looking to work with Harbin’s growing ICT and software sectors.

Nine head teachers from Sunderland schools are also attending as part of a visit organised by the British Council to promote school partnerships.  The programme is funded by the DCSF and Confucius Institute Headquarters in China (Hanban) and organised by the British Council and Hanban.