Gansu link strengthened

Press, 30 May 1983, Page 6

Gansu link strengthened

A special link between Christchurch and a Chinese province, Gansu, was strengthend at the week-end with the visit of the province’s vice-governor, Professor Zhu Xuanren.

Professor Zhu, at a public meeting last evening, gave a briefing on the geography, industry, farming, and people of Gansu. Gansu’s link with Christchurch was established under the Christchurch City Council’s sister city scheme in February. His visit follows up one made to China by a New Zealand delegation last October, and has been timed to coincide with the twentyfifth anniversary of the New Zealand-China Friendship Society. At the moment, the president of the City Council’s sister city committee, Professor Frank Lu, is in Gansu’s capital city, Lanshou, visiting a daughter who teaches there. A graduate of Edinburgh University, Professor Zhu is president of the Gansu University of Agriculture and of the Association of Animal Pathology in China. His 18day tour has given him a chance to see New Zealand agricultural methods and animal husbandry. He was welcomed to Christchurch at a Mayoral reception on Saturday evening, and yesterday visited some of the city’s civic facilities. The city’s link with Gansu was recognised when the Premier of China, Mr Zhao Ziyang, planted a ginkgo tree on the banks of the Avon River during his visit earlier in the year. Professor Zhu will also visit Lincoln College, the Ashley Research Station, and Canterbury Timber Products, Ltd, before returning tomorrow. Also travelling with Professor Zhu is a member of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Madam Lu Wanru.