Shanghai Mayor Zhu Zhongming met with Sophie Barker, mayor of Dunedin, New Zealand, in Shanghai on Oct 19. The two mayors signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation and exchange between Shanghai and Dunedin for 2026-2029.

Zhu said Shanghai and Dunedin have achieved fruitful results in cooperation since the two cities established ties as friendship cities more than three decades ago.

He called for stronger cooperation in trade and industrial investment, welcoming more Dunedin companies to participate in the China International Import Expo and expand their investment and business presence in Shanghai.

Zhu also encouraged deeper academic exchanges and reciprocal visits between universities and research institutions, alongside closer cooperation in youth exchanges, culture, and arts.

Barker described the partnership between Shanghai's Yu Garden and Lan Yuan, Dunedin Chinese Garden, as a vivid symbol of the two cities' friendship.

She hoped the new agreement would deepen cooperation in trade, scientific research, education, culture, tourism, and environmental protection.