China Delegation to be Hosted by World Trade Center St. Louis and St. Louis – Nanjing Sister Cities Committee

Visit to St. Louis to take place April 21

ST. LOUIS (April 18, 2024) — World Trade Center St. Louis (WTC), the international division of St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, will be hosting a visiting delegation from the Jiangsu Province and Nanjing, China to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the St. Louis – Nanjing, China Sister Cities relationship.

The visit will take place on Sunday, April 21. In 1979, St. Louis was linked with Nanjing, China and became the first U.S. city to have a sister city in the People’s Republic of China. “We look forward to welcoming the delegation from Nanjing to celebrate 45-years of friendship” said Neal Perryman, president of St. Louis – Nanjing Sister Cities Committee.

During their stop in St. Louis, the delegation will experience a tour of Gateway Arch National Park, visit Missouri Botanical Garden for a dragon dance ceremony, tour the Cortex Innovation District, meet with academic leadership from University of Missouri – St. Louis and be introduced to Mayor Tishaura O. Jones.

“I look forward to welcoming the delegation from China to the City of St. Louis,” said Mayor Jones. “Hosting delegations from around the world is crucial as we work to grow our city’s global presence and strengthen the long-term economic development of the region.”

Many of the delegates will be coming from Nanjing, China, one of St. Louis’ 16 sister cities. The St. Louis Sister Cities Program is part of the World Trade Center St. Louis’ international mission. Sanctioned by Sister Cities International, it supports and coordinates the 16 sister cities programs and provides guidance for those interested in establishing new sister cities relations.

“We look forward to meeting these partners from one of our valued sister cities,” said Tim Nowak, executive director of WTC. “These meetings are important when it comes to keeping our international relationships strong and bringing new business opportunities to the St. Louis area.”