SISTER RELATIONS

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25^th Anniversary of the Sister Relationship of Minnesota and Shaanxi Province
Report on Activities


Congratulations and thanks to ALL who made the following successful

Hosting of a delegation of six from Shaanxi Province November 7-10
Focus was on Health Care with visits to Minnesota Department of Health, Boston Scientific, Minneapolis Children’s Hospitals, and Minnesota Trade Office
Attendance at Destination Shaanxi Opening Reception and Kathleen Ryor presentation
Hosted by Mary Warpeha, Zheng Yang, Dong Li, Penny Zhang, Sun Hua, Linda Mealey-Lohmann, Li King Feng and Matthew Abbot, Dr. Walter Warpeha

Destination Shaanxi: The Material Culture at the End of the Silk Road
Thursday, November 8 4:00-6:30pm, Elmer L. Andersen Library, U of M
Organized by Su Chen, Jesse Field of the University of Minnesota and CJ Liu
Generous gifts and loans from members of the Minnesota Chapter of USCPFA bring to life the twelve centuries of decorative arts from Shaanxi Province. Highlights include a unique set of HuXian peasant paintings, ancient calligraphy commemorating Nestorian Christianity’s development in 8th Century China, and terracotta figures from the UMN Weisman Art Museum.
Reading of Governor Tim Pawlenty’s Proclamation of the Month of November 2007 as Minnesota-Shaanxi Sister-State Month (a copy of the document was left for display)
Contributors: Mary Warpeha, Barbara Harrison, CJ Liu
Sponsored by: U of M East Asian Library and USCPFA-MN
Public attendance for Opening Reception: 100
USCPFA Board attendance: CC Hsiao, Joyce Hsiao, Linda Mealey-Lohmann, Barbara Harrison, Mary Warpeha, CJ Liu, Walter Graff, Margaret Wong, Yang Wang
Light dinner, short program, and browse time over three floors of exhibits of Shaanxi artifacts and art
Continuing M-F 9-5 until February 2008

Chang’an: The Cosmopolitan Capital of the Chinese Empire and Terminus of the Silk Road
Friday, November 9 6:00-9:00, Nolte Center, U of M
Presentation by Kathleen Ryor, Carleton College
Contributors: Ann Waltner and Susanna Smith from the U of M and their staff, Mary Warpeha, CJ Liu, CC Hsiao, Joyce Hsiao, Yang Wang, Mary Voight
Grant secured by USCPFA-MN from Spectrum Trust of the St. Paul Foundation
Light supper and lecture
Public audience: 65 reserved for supper, 100 at presentation
USCPFA-MN Board Participation: CC Hsiao, Joyce Hsiao, CJ Liu, Linda Mealey-Lohmann, Yang Wang, Mary Warpeha

Music from the Silk Road
Sunday, November 11 at 3:00, Coffman Theater, U of M
Presentations by Gao Hong and Carleton Ensemble, Robert Jamieson, Peter Arnstein, Arthur Maud, Alan Kagan
Contributors: Ann Waltner and Susanna Smith and their staff from the U of M, CJ Liu, Mary Warpeha, Mary Voight, CC Hsiao, Joyce Hsiao, Yang Wang
Grant secured by USCPFA-MN from Spectrum Trust of the St. Paul Foundation
Public audience: 250
USCPFA-MN Board Participation: Mary Warpeha, Linda Mealey-Lohmann, CJ Liu, Mistress of Ceremonies Mindy Ratner, Barbara Harrison, Yang Wang, CC Hsiao, Joyce Hsiao, Elise Lohmann, Betty Rasmussen


Governor Tim Pawlenty’s Proclamation of the Month of November 2007 as Minnesota-Shaanxi Sister-State Month
Contributors: Tony Lorusso and staff


Previous highlights honoring the relationship included:
Complimentary advertising of events in China Insight and Minnesota China Tribune newspapers
Contributors: Greg Hugh, David Ruzhao Cheng, Mary Warpeha
The New Silk Road: Lecture by Robert Jacobsen of the Minneapolis Institute of Art, co-sponsored by USCPFA-MN Contributors: Robert Jacobsen, Mary Warpeha, Chen Zhou, Rhonda Fox
Hosting of a delegation of eight government officials from Shaanxi Province in September co-sponsored by USCPFA-MN and Shaanxi Association of Minnesota
Contributors: Barbara Harrison, Mary Warpeha, Dong Li, Joyce and CC Hsiao
Chinese New Year Celebration sponsored by USCPFA-MN
Contributors: Margaret Wong, Linda Mealey-Lohmann, Mary Warpeha, Jim Swiderski, Mistress of Ceremonies Mindy Ratner, CJ Liu, Gao Hong and Carleton College Ensemble
Shaanxi and Its Glories in Chinese History and Culture Lecture by Professor Yali You at Hamline University co-sponsored by Shaanxi Association of Minnesota, October and November
Donation by BestBuy of $50,000 in computer equipment to Global Volunteers for An Shang Village Elementary School in Shaanxi Province arranged by Tony Lorusso and given in a ceremony by Governor Pawlenty in Shanghai in October
Travel by a delegation of nine by Lt. Governor Carol Molnau to Shaanxi in April 2006 which included Tony Lorusso, Mary Warpeha and Dong Li
Xian and Rural Southern Shaanxi Tour sponsored by USCPFA-MN and led by Mary Warpeha in September
Acceptance of Shaanxi and China themed books donated by Shaanxi Provincial Government
Acceptance of photos of Shaanxi Province donated by Shaanxi Provincial Government
First Annual Chou Chin Arts and Crafts Festival in An Shang Village - participation of Mary Warpeha including award of Honorary Villager
An Shang Village award of Honorary Villagers to Global Volunteer and USCPFA-MN members, Lewis and Virginia Pierce, for their contributions to the people of China
Contribution of maps and paper cuttings for USCPFA-MN Chinese New Year by Shaanxi Province Office of Foreign Affairs, Sino-American Society and An Shang Villagers of Shaanxi
Events of the Shaanxi Association of Minnesota
Visits by St. Cloud State University and Mankato State University to universities in Xian
2008 visit to Xian by High School for Recording Arts

jointly sponsored Mid-Autumn Festival in October, 2007

involve Minnesota businesses through activities and opportunities for sponsorship

a major symposium on the Silk Road Its importance in the past, present, future

creating a lecture series highlighting people and culture, economic opportunities, passions of individuals, travel destinations

aggressive pursuit of sister relationships and exchanges between elementary, secondary and post secondary students and institutions

exchange of museum-quality cultural artifacts

exchange of photos of our respective people and places including nature photos from Changqing National Nature Reserve

exchange and participation of government officials including governors, legislators, commissioners, etc.

tour of Xian and Southern Shaanxi Province including ecotourism in Changqing National Nature Reserve

exchange of Chinese language teachers

To begin this planning process USCPFA of Minnesota is inviting you and your organization to join us in a working lunch or dinner. See the detail below. Please plan to attend one of the events to contribute your ideas and join a planning committee to make these events a highlight in the 25^th Anniversary Year.

Lunch meeting

Dinner meeting

Please help us plan this event by making a reservation at uscpfa_mn@hotmail.com or calling Mary Warpeha at 651-638-0743. If you are unable to join us but would like to participate in the activities, please send an email with your name, address, phone and email contacts. We will include you.

We encourage you to invite others who might be interested in celebrating the past 25 years or the next 25 years with our sister province, Shaanxi.

We look forward to hearing from you.


Harbin Delegation of Six Visitors

October was a busy month with delegations from Harbin and Shaanxi. The Harbin officials were hosted by Minnesota member Weiming Lu who introduced the Minneapolis Skyway System to the group. We are grateful to the Minneapolis Foundation for hosting the group in their offices for the Lu lecture. At the end of the day, members gathered at China Jen Restaurant in Roseville to enjoy a bountiful banquet arranged by Joyce Hsiao. David Cheng arranged for hotel and transportation for the group.

Members of the delegation included

Mr. XU Desheng - Deputy Director of Harbin National People’s Congress

Mr. MA Bin - Director of Harbin Municipal Facility Administration Bureau

Mr. LI Xueliang - Deputy Director of Harbin Forestry Industry Bureau

Mr. ZHAO Qingli - Deputy Director of Harbin Watery Bureau

Mr. YU Xinguang - Deputy Secretary of Harbin Public Security Bureau

Mr FU Gefeng - Interpreter of Harbin Foreign Affairs Office

Eleven Members of the Shaanxi Peoples Congress and Staff Visited in October

The Minnesota Trade Office and USCPFA-MN hosted 11 delegates on an itinerary which included a visit with Minnesota Legislators, a presentation of the Minnesota-China Partnership given by Tony Lorusso, Director of the Minnesota Trace Office, and a tour of the proposed site for Bei Ming Yuan in Northeast Minneapolis. The transportation was arranged by Larry Yan. The group enjoyed meeting with members for an evening dinner at the home of Chapter President, Mary Warpeha.

Members of the delegation included:

Mr. LI Dengwu, Member of Standing Committee of Shaanxi Provincial People’s Congress

Ms. BAI Guilan, Deputy Director, Yu Lin City People’s Congress

Mr. LI Runqian, Deputy Secretary General, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Congress

Mr. HE Wuhua, Member of Election Committee, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Congress

On April 6, 2006 in Xi’an

Shaanxi Governor CHEN Deming announced Provincial support for Bei Ming Yuan, a Northern-style China garden proposed by Minnesota China Friendship Garden Society.

Support of the project was announced during an official visit of Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Carol Molnau and seven delegates from Minnesota. The purpose of the visit was to explore

options for increased interaction between sisters, Minnesota and Shaanxi—a relationship initiated in 1982 through the volunteer efforts of members of the Board of Directors of US—China Peoples Friendship Association of Minnesota.

US—China Peoples Friendship Association of Minnesota members participating in the delegation included President Mary Warpeha, Shaanxi Committee Chair Dong Li, and Chuck Nuckles.

In addition to support of development resources for this new Minnesota garden, Governor Chen agreed to participation in architectural and landscape design through donation of the talents of Shaanxi’s premier architect, Ms. ZHANG Jinqiu. The Minnesota Garden Society was first introduced to Ms. Zhang by Minnesota urban planner, Weiming Lu. Mr. Lu had hosted Ms. Zhang at a professional conference held earlier in Minnesota. Mr. Lu gracious introduced the garden project and the April travelers to Ms. Zhang - an introduction which was instrumental in the acceptance of the proposal by the Shaanxi government.

The Minnesota China Friendship Garden Society is most honored to be able to work with Shaanxi government officials and Ms. ZHANG Jinqiu. This important agreement was made possible through the efforts of these members of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Peoples Government of Shaanxi Province: LI Jianhua, Deputy Director-General, LIU Xianlian, Deputy Director General and Vice President, and QIANG Haoli, Deputy Director of the Sister-City Divisio

ZHANG Jinqiu

Ms. Zhang was born in 1936 in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. She is a graduate of the Architectural Department and an advanced degree recipient in Architectural History and Theory of Tsinghua University in Beijing. She currently holds appointments in two majors at her alma mater.

Since 1987 Ms. Zhang has been the chief architect of China Northwest Architectural Design Institute. She has presented her work and research in Bangkok, Taipei, Hawaii, Tokyo and Shikoku Japan, Paris, Boston. She is an elected Standing Council Member of the Urban Planning Society of China and Vice Chair of the Architectural Society of China.

Participation in the design of Bei Ming Yuan in Minnesota will be Ms. Zhang’s first project in the United States.

Sister Relationships are Official Links

Sister relationships are important official links between similar government units. They can be enacted by the top officials of the governments involved. The endorsements of the local authorities and support of volunteers empowers grassroots participation in the global community.

U. S. Sister relationships began after World War II and developed into a nationally promoted program when President Dwight D. Eisenhower proposed people-to-people diplomacy at a White House conference in 1956.

The Sister Program maintains diplomatic relations; encourages and arranges for exchanges of cultural groups, education groups and others. It hosts and co-sponsors networking and informational events as well as serving as a clearinghouse for information and contacts of the Sister parties. Increasingly, there has been a movement to focus on economic development to ensure a well-rounded and active relationship.

Benefits of strong relationships include heightened cultural awareness, better understanding of democracy abroad, work in cooperation with government, grassroots volunteers, business professionals, non-profit organizations, and educators. Economic benefits include increased tourism, heightened community involvement and awareness in international affairs, and creation of reliable business and trade partners.

In April, 2006 Lieutenant Governor Carol Molnau, USCPFA-Minnesota President Mary Warpeha, USCPFA-MN Shaanxi Committee Chair Dong Li, and USCPFA-MN member Chuck Knuckles along with 6 other Minnesotans traveled to Shaanxi Province with the goal of exploring potential activities to enrich the relationship established in 1982.

This visit is part of the long term strategy of the Pawlenty administration to increase Minnesota's China interaction in business and non-business activities. In November, 2005 218 Minnesotans traveled with Governor Pawlenty on the Mission to China 2005. The emphasis was generally focused on business and networking. The April visit reinforced the fact that establishing long-term relationships and building trust is paramount to doing business - the world over. Sister relationships formalized and supported by governments help to legitimize the efforts of the private sector and illustrate a commitment to long term relationships. Business relies on relationships, and sister relationships provide companies with another way of establishing and strengthening their China networks. When you travel to a sister region, you will be greeted as a friend and more doors will be opened to you.

Shaanxi Government Officials Hosted in August, 2005

Mr. Liu Hanxing, Chair of Yulin CPPCC headed a delegation of five which included Tang Qinghua, Chair of ShangLuo CCPPCC, Liu Shigui, Chair of Zhidan County CPPCC, Mi Hongle, head of Sister State and City division of the Office of Foreign Affairs of Shaanxi Province and Li Guanghui Interpreter. The group discussed enriching the Minnesota-Shaanxi relationship as well as seeking assistance in creating new sister city relationships with the cities represented in the delegation.

Tony Lorusso, Director of the Minnesota Trade Office announced that the Shaanxi governor will be invited to participate with the Mission to China - 2005 delegation headed by Governor Tim Pawlenty. Li King Feng, MTO China Representative, informed the group that unfortunately the Trade Mission's heavy schedule will not allow for a Shaanxi visit. Other opportunities for involvement were discussed with the possibility of smaller, more directed trade missions in April and November, 2006. This delegation was particularly interested in involving state government officials in an exchange. USCPFA - Minnesota and the Minnesota Trade Office will be working together to implement these suggestions.

Mr. Lorusso emphasized the important role USCPFA - Minnesota has in the sister relationships and designated our organization as the "executive agent" for all interaction with delegations from sister communities. Our role will continue to be that of friendship, hospitality, communication on a people-to-people basis.

President Mary Warpeha, acting as Shaanxi Sister Province Committee Chair, planned and hosted the delegation during their stay. Committee member, Jennie Hsiao, spent the morning sharing Minnesota information as we toured the Minnesota State Capitol and lunched together on a gorgeous Minnesota day.

This delegation is spreading the good news of friendship with Minnesota and making plans for a large delegation to visit in the early months of 2006. Sign up now at uscpfa_mn@hotmail.com to participate with the next delegation.

Third Harbin Delegation visits in July, 2005

Photo from left: Ji Ping, Cong Guozhang, Su Ye (Market Program Leader, MN Dept of Agriculture) Du Yuxin (Delegation Leader), Tony Lorusso (Director, Minnesota Trade Office), Ren Wenxia, Mary Warpeha (President USCPFA-MN), Han Ren, Li Zhiheng

A Delegation of eight from Harbin, Heilongjiang, visited Minneapolis in July, 2005. Their visit was coordinated by the Minneapolis Sister City Committee which includes Ben Zhou, Lois Herman, Jennie Hsiao, and Mary Warpeha.

The purpose of the Harbin Delegation’s visit to Minneapolis was promotion of business and economic partnerships, and support for the Sister City relationship of Harbin and Minneapolis. The Harbin Delegation was led by Mr. Du Yuxin: Secretary of CPC Harbin Committee. Participants included: Mr. Cong Guozhang: Deputy Mayor of Harbin• Mr. Han Ren: Director of Harbin Foreign Affairs • Mr. Li Zhiheng: Director of Harbin Development Zone • Mr. Song Xiangdong: Division Chief of Harbin ForeignAffairs • Mr. Ji Ping: Deputy Division Chief of the • Development Zone • Ms. Ren Wenxia, Interpreter.

The Delegation from Harbin met with General Mills and Land O Lakes, Mayor R. T. Rybak of Minneapolis, Tony Lorusso and Li King Feng of the Minnesota Trade Office, and Dr. Hong Yang of the China Center at the University of Minnesota.

USCPFA Directors hosted a dinner for the Harbin Delegation at the Peking Garden Restaurant.

Photo l to r: Li King Feng, MTO, Du Xin, Delegation leader,
Ren Wenxia, Interpreter, Tony Lorusso, MTO Director

A Warm Welcome Was Appreciated

by the 8 officials from Shaanxi Province

Visiting in January

When delegates from Shaanxi arrived in Minneapolis on January 17, the thermometer had been holding strong at the below zero numbers for a week. We tried hard to keep everyone warm as we visited legislative officials and corporations in the Twin Cities. USCPFA-MN partnered with Global Volunteers to host the two day visit. Arranged stops included a an interview with Legislators and tour of the State Capitol, visit and lunch with Hong Yang, Director of the China Center. Tours and presentations of the Greene Institute and Clean Water Action Alliance were arranged by Board Member, Andy Edgar. In the evenings, USCPFA Board Members hosted a 10 course banquet at the Szechuan Star Restaurant and Global Volunteers hosted dinner at the home of Director, Bud Philbrook and Michele Gran. A shopping spree at Mall of American and a cold walk out onto a frozen lake to talk to ice fishermen completed this whirlwind chaufeered by David Cheng.

Mary Warpeha and Bennett Dy were able to travel with the group throughout their stay.

Delegation members included

Mr. Bai Haochen	Vice Secretary General / General Office Director	The Standing Committee of Shaanxi Provincial People’s Congress
Mr. Zhong Gaoshi	Director General	The Environment and Natural Resources Protection Committee, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Congress
Ms. Sun Guiran	Vice Chairwoman	The Standing Committee of Xi’an Municipal People’s Congress
Ms. Han Jing	Vice Director	The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Standing Committee of Shaanxi Provincial People’s Congress
Mr. Su Mingxi	Chairman	The Standing Committee, Foping County People’s congress
Mr. Wang Yunfei	Research Office Director	Sub-Committee for Personnel and Removal, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Congress
Mr. Bai Titai	Chief of Research Office	Standing Committee of Shaanxi Provincial People’s Congress
Mr.Zheng Jinsheng	Deputy Office Director	Sub-Committee for Internal and Judicial Affairs, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Congres

USCPFA participates in welcoming

9 students and 4 teachers

from #1 Middle School

of Harbin, Heilongjiang

On Saturday night, January 15, 2005, participants in the US - China Discovery Exchange Initiative Project welcomed students and teachers at a banquet held at the New King Mongolian BBQ. Invitations were extended by Minneapolis South High Chinese Language teacher, Dingman Yu. Mr. Yu initiated this project and procured the grant which included a homestay exchange of South High students, teachers, parents in Harbin. Students will participate in a homestay arrangement with families of South High School. Guests will be attending school with their hosts. This 6 week exchange program is sponsored in part by a grant from of US Department of State.

During the evening program, USCPFA President Mary Warpeha presented certificates to the Harbin #1 Middle School the students and families of Minneapolis South High School, and Mr. Dingman Yu.

Text of these certificates can be read below.

The Minnesota Chapter of

US - China Peoples Friendship Association

Welcomes you to Minnesota

as members of the

US - China Discovery Exchange Initiative Project,

a US State Department sponsored project.

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, has a special relationship with the City of Minneapolis through our Sister City agreements established in 1992. It is an historical fact that

USCPFA - Minnesota took the initiative in establishing this relationship.

Through the efforts of South High School teacher, Mr. Dingman Yu,

the relationship has extended into the staff and student body of

Harbin #1 High School and Minneapolis South High School.

It is our hope that your visit will continue

the enrichment of people of both cities

through opportunities of language learning,

homestays in families,

cultural experiences,

school classroom and event participation.

Students and teachers (and those who support them) involved in this Project

will be leaders of tomorrow in their respective global communities.

We encourage you to have a great time.

Work Hard.

Play Hard.

Be proud representatives of your families, #1 Middle School,

Harbin, and China

___________

WELCOME

The Minnesota Chapter of
US - China Peoples Friendship Association

Congratulates
students,
families,
faculty,
and staff
of Minneapolis South High School
who have participated in the
US - China Discovery Exchange Initiative Project,
a US State Department sponsored project.

Through your combined efforts, South High School
has entered into the Global Community
in a very special way.
The exchanges will change lives forever.
Tremendous effort and planning have made these visits grow
from a dream to an enriching reality for students
of Harbin and Minneapolis.

It is the hope of the members of the
Minnesota Chapter of US - China Peoples Friendship Association
that your efforts will continue
to enrich the lives of the educational communities of Minneapolis and Harbin
through opportunities of language learning,
homestays in families,
shared cultural experiences,
school classroom and event participation.

Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, has a special relationship with the City of Minneapolis through our Sister City agreements established in 1992. It is an historical fact that USCPFA - Minnesota took the initiative in establishing this relationship. It is with pleasure that we share tonight in the joys these relationships bring to the students, teachers, families of Minneapolis South High School and Harbin #1 MIddle School.
________
! CONGRATULATIONS !

The Minnesota Chapter of
US - China Peoples Friendship Association
Honors Minneapolis South High School Teacher,

Dingman Yu

for his tireless efforts to offer the opportunity of a
US - China Discovery Exchange Initiative Project
to students, faculty and staff in his learning community.

Your effort and dedication to US - China youth exchange
exemplifies the passion of one who treasures his ancestral homeland -
and in his heart understands the value of cultural exchange
at the grass root level.
There is no doubt, no doubt!
that the opportunities offered through this exchange
will change the lives of every person who participates
in any way -
be they students, families, friends, teachers, staff, administrators,
or even government officials.

Your model of passion and dedication to the educational community
is the quiet, effective, and unheralded manner
in which individual lives are changed,
countries with philosophical differences begin to understand each other,
a few more patriots begin to see that our survival in the global community
is dependent on our understanding each other,
tolerating and even celebrating our differences,
and forming meaningful, lasting friendships.

USCPFA thanks you for your initiative in this project and
for continuing a tradition for intercultural friendship and exchange
begun by Harbin and Minneapolis
at the signing of Sister City agreements in 1992.
! XIE XIE !

Minneapolis - Harbin

Sister City Relationship

A second delegation of 4 from Harbin, Heillongjiang Province, visited Minneapolis on September 15 and 16th, 2004, on a multi-city tour. The following is the text of the welcome address given by President Mary Warpeha at a banquet hosted at the Peking Garden in Southeast Minneapolis:

Welcome to this celebration of a visit of delegates from the Minneapolis’ Sister City, Harbin.

This is a year of celebration for both the Minnesota Chapter and National organization of USCPFA.

Within those 30 years a Sister City agreement was signed signed in 1992 – 12 years ago.

The delegation of 4 visiting us today represent one facet of the Sister City relationship mission which is to network people with similar goals, needs, and potential. USCPFA, the City of Minneapolis and larger Minnesota welcomes this interaction and hopes that from this exchange will come expected and unexpected benefits.

Today through the efforts of USCPFA Board Members, this delegation was able to visit with the Mayor of Minneapolis, the Minnesota Trade Office, The China Center at the U of Minnesota, and the Minneapolis Public Library.

We gather tonight not on commercial business, but on the deeper business of friendship.

Let me introduce our guests:

Wang Ying, Adviser of Harbin Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries

Shi Yongming, Head of the Bureau of Education

Han Ren, Director of Harbin Foreign Affairs Office

Song Xiangdong, Division Chief and Interpreter of Harbin Foreign Affairs Office

Now is also a good time to thank the various people involved in making this visit memorable for our guests:

Ben Zhou, Lois Herman, David Cheng, Jennie Hsiao

CABAM – Charles Lee, President

As I prepared for this evening, I took out my travel book and sharpened my memory from my visit to Harbin in 1996.

The location of both of these cities hovers around the 45^th Parallel NORTH latitude – a fact which affects life in a major way. Some of our most challenging physical and geographic features have become our most valuable assets – because of the attitude and enthusiasm of the residents.

Both of our cities attract visitors year round for business and tourism – some people actually like to celebrate the winter season and its uniqueness. Our visitors are from within our countries as well as from international destinations.

Both Harbin and Minneapolis are known for their diversity of peoples. We especially share immigrants of Eastern European ancestry. These immigrants enrich us with their culinary cuisine, architectures, and life styles. The peoples of both cities are renowned for their tolerance and the celebration of differences in their citizenry.

Both of our cities have major rivers winding through the cities. These rivers, the Songhua and the Mississippi, are now lined with parks and paths. In the early days, the rivers were the life blood of the region offering cool summer delicacies from the preserved river ice of the winter, transportation for goods and people (a major commercial resource transporting grains of wheat, corn, soybeans as well as fuel resources), and that ever important feng shui element of water.

Both of our cities have KFC and McDonald food chains and are always looking to coastal cities for the newest trends. We are seldom the initiators, but are excellent at selecting the best of what is around us to import back to our cities to enrich our life styles and fill our pocketbooks.

Lastly, and I think all of us here can agree …

We are similar in that our people are ambitious, resourceful, and creative.

It is these three characteristics that have brought us together on this pristine fall evening to celebrate together.

I hope you have all had a rich and full day today in Minnesota. I hope you have enjoyed the evening shared with new and old friends.

Safe travels to you, our guests, as you continue your journey across the United States.

____________________________

A delegation of four from Harbin, China visited Minneapolis May 25-28, 2004. Their visit was coordinated by the USCPFA Harbin-Minneapolis Sister City Committee with help from the Minnesota trade office and selected corporations. The purpose of the Harbin Delegation visit to Minneapolis was to promote business and economic partnerships, and to support the Sister City relationship which was established in 1992.

The Delegation was led by Mr. Ma Jainmin, Vice Director of the Harbin Economic and Trade Bureau, who is also Harbin Director of Economic and Trade Affairs. Other members include Mr. Ji Ping, Deputy Director of International Business Development, Ms. Ren Wenxia, Deputy Director of International Economic Cooperation Bureau, and Mr. Zhang, Jiang of the Baoquanling Meat Industry, Co. Ltd.

In addition to the business connections, the delegation met with Mayor R. T. Rybak of Minneapolis and Kit Hadley, Director of the Minneapolis Public Library. A relationship is being explored between the Minneapolis Public Library and the Harbin Municipal Library.

An evening banquet was hosted by the USCPFA Minnesota Board of Directors at The Seafood Palace with Harbin guests and members of the Board of Directors of the Chinese American Business Association of Minnesota (CABAM) in attendance.

USCPFA Minnesota members involved in arrangements for the visit included Ben Zhou, Lois Herman, Jennie Hsiao, Joyce Hsiao, Mary Warpeha

Current Relationships
Minnesota and Shaanxi Province 1982
St. Paul and Changsha, Hunan 1988
Minneapolis and Harbin, Heilongjiang 1993
Red Wing and Quzhou, Zhejiang 1994
Rochester and Xianyang, Shaanxi 1995
Coon Rapids and Zhaoqing, Guangzhou 2000
Dakota County and Chende, Hebei 2002
City of Ramsey and Loudi, Hunan, 2005
Mankato and Tamsui (Taiwan)
Morris and Jiashan
Committee chairs and members
Minneapolis - Harbin Guangbin (Ben) Zhou
Jennie Hsiao
MaryWarpeha

St. Paul - Changsha
Lawrence J. Coleman
Jennie Hsiao
Rhonda Fox

Shaanxi-Minnesota
Dong Li
John Y. Zhang
Mary Warpeha
Jennie Hsiao
CC Hsiao
Joyce Hsiao
Yang Wang
CJ Liu
Mary Voight