Delegates from the Chinese province of Jiangxi visited Calderdale recently to develop tourism links.
They met mayor, Elland’s Clr Pat Allen, and the Chinese visitors received a collection of work from pupils at Greetland Academy.
It’s hoped it will lead to possible opportunities to develop relationships between Calderdale and Chinese schools.
The Mayor said: “The signing of the Friendship Agreement is the next step in an exciting journey; building links with China at a time when we are working to build ambition for Calderdale, enhancing growth and tourism.”
Like Calderdale, the Jiangxi region is putting a major effort into developing tourism, having a similar combination of heritage and landscape, and is also developing its use of digital approaches to tourism and economic development.
The delegation visited Hargreaves Foundry, an established, family business in Halifax, perhaps most famous for providing cast iron for the sculptures of artist Antony Gormley.
Michael Hinchliffe, Managing Director of Hargreaves Foundry, said: “We were pleased to be included in the reception for the delegation from Jiangxi Province.
“We were also proud to show them round our foundry and demonstrate our unique manufacturing skills.
“We have been working with Chinese foundries for 18 years and have our own office in Shijiazwang in the Hebei province, so it was nice to meet representatives from another district.”
