Bristol and Guangzhou have announced a further strengthening of economic and trade links to mark the 15th anniversary of their sister city partnership.

Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees travelled to China along with members of the Bristol and West of England China Bureau to sign a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at forging ever closer economic and trade connections between Guangzhou’s partner cities – which include Bristol, Linkoping in Sweden and Genoa in Italy.

He shared his aspirations for closer collaboration with China and for Bristol’s global connectivity as a diverse international community and a leading UK innovation hub.

The Bureau’s Director of Business Initiatives Richard Lowe said: “Guangzhou Mayor Guohui Wen particularly acknowledged the importance of building on our educational research and exchange programmes, technological and urban innovation as well as exploring aerospace links.

“We believe successful trade partnerships are going to be very important for the UK post Brexit and we are committed to re-doubling our efforts to extend links with Guangzhou and the wider Pearl delta region in the future.”

The Bristol delegation presented Guangzhou with a Shaun the Sheep statue to mark the 15^th anniversary of their cultural and trade link. Mayor Wen mentioned that Guangzhou has a special affinity with sheep which are recognised as auspicious and friendly.