From Oct 31 to Nov 2, the eight-member delegation headed byThomas?Kufen, mayor of Essen, Germany, visited Changzhou.

On the afternoon of Nov 1, Mayor Ding Chun met with the German guests at the AdministrationCenter.

During the meeting, Ding briefed the delegation on the economic and social development of Changzhou in recent years and reviewed the achievements made through bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, education, tourism and medical care since the establishment of sister-city relationship between Changzhou and Essen.

Kufen stated that Essen will continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Changzhou in economy, science, technology, education andculture. He hoped to cooperate with Changzhou in more fields like renewable energy, medical treatment and elderly care.

After the meeting, the two sides signed the Agreement for Further Cooperation and Exchanges between Changzhou of China and Essen of Germany .

During their stay in Changzhou, the delegates visited Changzhou Science and Education Town, Sino-German Innovation Park, ThyssenKrupp Steering System (Changzhou) Co., Ltd. and the International Friendship Garden and Tianning Pagoda in Hongmei Park.