Reunion in Autumn: Düsseldorf Seeks Cooperation with Chongqing

Chongqing - Burkhard Hintzsche, City Director of Düsseldorf, led a delegation to visit the Western China International Communication Organization (WCICO)  on October 17. This visit marked a reunion following the 2019 visit of then-Mayor Thomas Geisel to Chongqing Daily, with both sides expressing a strong desire to deepen cooperation between Chongqing and Düsseldorf.

The Düsseldorf delegation visited WCICO. (Photo/Duan Heng)

Zhao Wujun, Director of WCICO, hosted the delegation and guided them on a tour of key studios. Chen Dongyan, Deputy Director of WCICO, provided a brief overview of how WCICO integrates platforms, talent, and technology to tell the “Chongqing Story” to the world vividly.

The Düsseldorf delegation visited key WCICO studios. (Photo/Duan Heng)

During the meeting, Chen Dongyan emphasized the importance of global media collaboration, highlighting international communication as a bridge for cultural exchange and global perspectives. She proposed several joint initiatives, including the Land-Sea Financial Forum, “Brand Chongqing,” “Study in Chongqing,” and the “EU-China Youth Dialogue” aimed at further deepening media cooperation and promoting the stories of both cities.

The attendees are sharing ideas. (Photo/Duan Heng)

The delegation showed great interest in WCICO’s proposals, expressing a desire to establish a cooperative mechanism to enhance exchanges in business, education, culture, and tourism, aiming to increase mutual understanding between the citizens of China and Germany. They also suggested co-producing a documentary to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Chongqing and Düsseldorf.

Düsseldorf and Chongqing were represented, and Burkhard Hintzsche and Zhao Wujun exchanged gifts. (Photo/Duan Heng)

The visit concluded with an exchange of gifts. The delegation included Angélique Tracik, Head of Culture of Düsseldorf, Theresa Reymann and Katharina Pitzer, both Senior Project Managers of the Mayor’s Office, Annika Mester, Press Relations Officer of Düsseldorf, and Julian Lasinge, Vice Consul General of Germany in Chengdu.