Councilmember Nat Bates, Jim Matzorkis, Port Director and Jim Bates, Chair of the Zhoushan Sister City Commission presented an overview of the City of Richmond’s efforts to continue to develop economic relationships with our sister city – Zhoushan, China.

The sister city relationship has been longstanding for many years, whereas in the past emphasis was placed on cultural exchanges, the City trips to Zhoushan China in 2007 and in 2011 focused on business and economic development between the two cities. A business plan has been developed with our sister city to complement the port auto import business which currently imports Honda/Kia, and Subaru to start in September/October, 2011.

Jim Matzorkis pointed out that Zhoushan was the second largest port in the world with exports of seafood and bulk cargo and in phase 1 of constructing a container terminal. He further noted that a market study on the China auto export business was to be complete by October, 2011. To address the Richmond Port’s growth in response to this relationship, a Port wide EIR will be completed which will include Terminal 3, the BNSF yard at Cutting and Canal, etc. Jim Matzorkis noted that this growth would be compatible with the current industrial composition along the Santa Fe Channel. Jim Matzorkis reiterated to contact him should businesses be interested in expanding businesses opportunities with China. Jim can be reached at: jim_matzorkis@ci.richmond.ca.us.

Jim Bates, Chair of the Zhoushan Sister City Commission, welcomed those who were interested in finding out more about the Sister City to contact him. He also stressed the need to increase funding of the Commission which has a limited budget with the City, and shared with the other two sister cities (Shimada, Japan and Cuba). The Commission’s budget is earmarked for Zhoushan Sister City dignitaries’ visits to Richmond. This is reciprocated when the City of Richmond Sister City delegation goes to Zhoushan. If you wish to donate to the Commission or learn more about the Sister City Connection, contact Jim Bates at: jimandsandy2@mac.com.