I Introduction

Chinese city: Chenzhou City, China

Sister city: Laredo

(Laredo City http://www.ci.laredo.tx.us/ )

Nation: USA

Administration level: county

Friendship building date: September 1, 2002

Chinese contact: Tourism and Foreign Affairs Bureau of Chenzhou City

Tel. : 0735-2368210

Foreign contact: Elizabeth G. Florez, Mayor of Laredo

Exchange Evaluation: in contact (normal contact but ordinary exchange and cooperation)

II Characteristics of the sister city

Geographic location: south Texas, U.S.A, bordering Mexico

Population: 215,484 (in 2006)

Area: 210 square kilometers

Economic development and industrial characteristics:

Laredo is the largest inland port on the borderline of US, Mexican and Canada. Its economic growth rate ranks No. 2 in US, only next to Las Vegas. Its economy is reliant on foreign trade, transportation, products processing and natural gas exploitation.

Main linked industry: products processing

III Exchange

Economy and trade, education, and characteristic industries.

Cultural and sports exchange: in September 2004, leaders from Zixing (a city in Chenzhou and Laredo planted in the newly-built Dongjiang Cultural Square a tree symbolizing the ever-lasting friendship of the two cities.

Economy & trade exchange: in February 2003, a delegation from Zixing was invited to take part in the International Sister City Economy and Trade Exchange Conference in Laredo. The 4 agreements they reached in the conference amount to $10 million.

Exchange visits:

1. In January 2003, a delegation led by Mr. Wang Zhou, the mayor of People's Government of Zixing City, visited Laredo.

2. In September 2004, a delegation led by Kyu Varna, secretary-general of Laredo, was invited by Zixing City to participate the 20th anniversary of the founding of Zixing city on Zixing County.

3. In June 2005, a delegation led by Mr. Zhang Shunchun, 1st deputy mayor of Zixing, visited Laredo.

4. In April 2006, a delegation led by Mr. Chen Xiang'an, vice secretary of Zixing Municipal Party, visited Laredo to carry out such activities as trade, tourism and education.