Signing targets energy, environment, economy
(From the 5th meeting of the U.S. - CHINA Strategic Economic Dialogue)
Beijing, China— The City of Wichita, Kansas, U.S., and the City of Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China, today signed a Statement of Intent to form an EcoPartnership.
The goal of an EcoPartnership is to develop collaborative projects that further energy security, promote economic stability and advance environmental sustainability.
The City of Wichita was represented at the signing by Karyn Page, President/CEO of Kansas World Trade Center, Inc., headquartered at 125 N. Market Street, Suite 1260, in Wichita. In addition to signing the document on behalf of the City, she also delivered a resolution of support signed by the Wichita City Council (Attached). She will serve as team leader for the City of Wichita in this international agreement and coordinate the City’s participation.
Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer says the partnership is another example of the City’s commitment to reach beyond its boundaries to form creative and productive partnerships.
“The Wichita City Council and I are pleased to join with Mayor Mao and the City of Wuxi in this EcoPartnership,” Mayor Brewer said. “I look forward to this important international endeavor as we work together to provide clean sustainable environments for our citizens and strengthen the bonds that connect our communities.”
The EcoPartnership program is one of four goals established at the fourth meeting of the U.S.-China Strategic Economic Dialogue held in June of this year. EcoPartnerships are a vehicle of the U.S.-China Ten Year Energy and Environment Cooperation Framework to facilitate voluntary, cooperative partnerships in the U.S. and China. (See attached June 18 news release from U.S. Department of Treasury for additional details.)
Wichita and Wuxi will exchange best practices regarding clean air and clean water on a municipal and industrial level, demonstrating how these technologies can better protect the environment in a cost-effective way to promote sustainable development.
As team leader for the Wichita effort, Page will coordinate the exchange of information between the two cities.
“This is a remarkable opportunity for Wichita to be recognized as a global city,” she said. “We foresee significant economic development opportunities through the Wichita-Wuxi EcoPartnership, including the international exchange of best practices in the areas of clean air and water. Additional opportunities may arise in the renewable energy sector.”
In a statement released after the Dec. 4 signing, senior officials from Wuxi, located in Jiangsu Province, said the city was honored to establish EcoPartnership relations with the City of Wichita. The agreement will strengthen the exchanges and cooperative efforts for clean air and clean water, and Wuxi looks forward to working diligently for a clean environment and sustainable development, they said.
The Wuxi leaders also said they expect to explore more opportunities in other areas through multi-level cooperative efforts with the City of Wichita.
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