On December 15, Fujian and Tasmania celebrated the 40th anniversary of their sister state relationship via online conferencing in Fuzhou and Hobart.

The ceremony was attended by Acting Governor Zhao Long and Vice Governor Guo Ningning from Fujian, Governor Barbara Baker and Minister for Trade Guy Barnett from Tasmania, Chinese Consul-General in Melbourne Long Zhou, and Australian Consul-General in Guangzhou Michael Sadlier. More than 150 representatives from government departments, friendship associations and societies, enterprises, and schools of both sides joined the event.

In his remarks, Acting Governor Zhao looked back on the longstanding friendship between Fujian and Tasmania and looked forward to strengthening the ties through closer cooperation in maritime economy, digital economy, green economy, and cultural and tourism sectors.

More academic exchanges between universities and vocational colleges are also expected as part of the efforts to promote people-to-people exchanges, said Zhao.

Tasmanian Governor Barbara Baker reviewed the highlights of Fujian-Tasmania friendship and extended her wishes for an even stronger collaboration. Minister Barnett expressed expectations for future cooperation in economy and trade, education, and people-to-people exchanges.

The online ceremony was followed by a concert staged by Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. The recorded concert in celebration of the 40th anniversary of friendship was also broadcast on multiple online channels.

On December 17, Impression of Tasmania and Fujian, an arts exhibition that featured Fujian handicrafts and artwork by both Fujian and Tasmanian students, was held in Hobart with the support of Fujian Foreign Affairs Office.

Tasmania was twinned with Fujian in March 1981, thus becoming Fujian’s first international sister state. The past four decades have witnessed frequent high-level exchanges, flourishing cultural exchanges, fruitful economic and trade cooperation, and a closer bond of friendship between the two peoples.