Anshan, China, has opened a trade and development office in Birmingham, which is being staffed by Gao Guangjie, deputy chief of the Anshan Foreign Office.
Anshan is a city of 3.3 million people, located in the middle of Liaoning Province in northeast China. The world’s seventh largest steelmaker is located there and the surrounding area is known for its iron ore and other mineral deposits. The area also is known for its jade.
“The Anshan Municipal Government was interested in establishing formal business and friendship relationships with Birmingham because of Birmingham’s proven success in diversifying its economy from a reliance on steel, to a more diversified economy based on health care, research and services…,” said Mr. Gao.
Anshan’s relationship with Birmingham dates back to 1992 when a visiting delegation from Anshan expressed an interest in developing a Sister City relationship. Sister City and economic development agreements were signed by officials of the two cities in Anshan last year.
The trade and development office is associated with the Birmingham Office of Economic Development (OED). A delegation of Birmingham executives will attend this year’s Anshan Economic and Trade Symposium to be held in October.
Mr. Gao may be reached by calling (205) 254-2799.