Sister city relationships are at the heart of some of the great connections between Australian and Taiwanese communities and not only enhance our people-to-people links but also promote cultural and business ties. 2022 is a very special year for the Gold Coast, one the of most loved Australian cities in the eyes of many Taiwanese, as it marks the 40th anniversary of the Gold Coast’s Sister City relationships with Taipei and Tainan this July and October respectively. So it is fitting that this week, in our ‘40Years, 40Stories’ series, we acknowledge the role of the many sister city connections that exist between Australia and Taiwan. The following story comes from the Gold Coast City Council and tells us about the Gold Coast’s ties with Taipei and Tainan, and provides an overview of the some of the education, culture, technology and business exchanges that have stemmed from these ties.
The Gold Coast and Taiwan have shared a valued relationship for decades, with 2022 marking our 40th sister city anniversaries with both Taipei and Tainan.
Our relationship with Taiwan has always been mutual, respectful and friendly. Over the years we have welcomed many delegations to the Gold Coast, and the Gold Coast Mayor and business delegations have visited Taiwan. Unwavering support from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Brisbane and the Trade and Investment Queensland office in Taipei has also assisted in maintaining strong relationships.
Gold Coast residents have been grateful to Taipei and Tainan for the opportunities to participate in the Taipei International Dragon Boat Championship, Chinese Language Scholarship, annual Book Exchanges, numerous Student Education Tours plus many other projects.
These collaborative projects allow the citizens of our cities to be involved in new experiences and to value and respect each other’s culture, food, way of life and promote international understanding. The Gold Coast, Taipei and Tainan continued cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic by participating in virtual programs like the Online Education Programs.
The Gold Coast’s engagement with Taiwan has also stimulated economic outcomes through business opportunities and knowledge exchange, particularly in Smart Cities, and education outcomes through the MOU between Study Gold Coast and Taipei Bureau of Education.
City of Gold Coast is grateful for its strong ties with Taiwan and looks forward to sharing more projects, opportunities and experiences in the future.
Video Message from Gold Coast City Mayor Tom Tate - celebrating 40th sister city anniversary with Tainan City
