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Hamburg and Shanghai Pledge Deeper Cooperation
Hamburg, October 16 – Hamburg and Shanghai, sister cities for 40 years, are set to further expand their collaborative efforts, as announced by First Mayor Peter Tschentscher (SPD) following his discussions with Shanghai’s top representative, Party Secretary Chen Jining. The announcement came during Mayor Tschentscher’s delegation trip to Vietnam and Shanghai, emphasizing a strategic pivot towards strengthening international partnerships.
Mayor Tschentscher highlighted the natural synergy between the two cities, stating, “Shanghai is a city that fits Hamburg very well – with a large port that conveys cosmopolitanism, and with a spirit of innovation that reminds one of Hamburg.” He stressed the importance for Germany to remain competitive globally, particularly in technological fields. “There is no technological advantage. On the contrary: in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), there is much to learn from the one-party state of China,” Tschentscher remarked, signaling a departure from the German federal government’s more critical stance on China.
Tschentscher’s Stance on China Relations
During his visit, Mayor Tschentscher acknowledged critical dependencies between Germany and China but framed this not as a reproach against China, but as a call for Germany to diversify its trade relations. This perspective underscores Hamburg’s pragmatic approach to international relations, prioritizing economic and scientific collaboration.
UKE and TCM University of Shanghai Forge New Partnerships
A significant outcome of the trip is the planned collaboration between the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) and the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The institutions have agreed to work together on two new projects:
- Development of medication, including treatments for COVID-19.
- Research into reducing side effects for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
This partnership signifies a blend of Western and traditional medical approaches, aiming to leverage diverse expertise for global health challenges.
Hamburg’s Broader Asian Engagement
Mayor Tschentscher’s Asia trip also included a visit to Vietnam, where he advocated for direct flight connections to Hamburg, aiming to capitalize on Vietnam’s booming economy. Accompanied by port director Meier, he visited Ho Chi Minh City, exploring new partnerships for Hamburg in Southeast Asia.
The expansion of cooperation with Shanghai reinforces Hamburg’s commitment to fostering international ties that drive innovation, economic growth, and scientific advancement. The city’s leadership believes that such partnerships are crucial for maintaining global competitiveness and addressing shared challenges.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/hamburg-und-shanghai-wollen-zusammenarbeit-ausbauen,uketcm-102.html
