Porto and Shanghai: the dynamic relationship on tourism and culture synergies

On the morning of 25 June, the Mayor of Porto, Rui Moreira hosted his counterpart, the Mayor of Shanghai, Ying Yong. The main purpose of this visit was the signing of a MoU to support cultural cooperation projects and tourism between the two cities.

Porto and Shanghai's bilateral relationships flourish ever since 1995, the year the two cities became twin cities.

"Shanghai is one of the most important cities in the world, by reason of its size, economic power and also its extraordinary contemporary architecture", affirmed Rui Moreira, who visited China's biggest city and a global financial hub as recently as a year ago.

"This is also a city of a unique charm, with its working-class districts, its historic buildings, and vibrant cultural scene, preserving its heritage, like Porto, which is a mere 1% of Shanghai's size, but can also take pride on what has been done regarding heritage preservation", enthused Rui Moreira.

The Mayor of Shanghai, Ying Yong enhanced the "great potential for further partnerships between Shanghai and Porto in the future".

"During our meeting we have conversed on reinforced cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, science, technology and urban rehabilitation", Ying Yong added.

"I am fascinated by Porto. It is such a beautiful European city with its historic centre, UNESCO World Heritage, its Port wine and its taste and flavour so distinguished; and most importantly the potential of further exchanges and collaboration between Porto and Shanghai".

Following the official session at the City Hall, Mayors Rui Moreira and Ying Yong toured the Historic Centre of Porto, with a stopover at the renowned Lello Bookstore and the Porto Wine Museum.

The visit concluded with a private lunch at Mayor's Rui Moreira official residence, the Casa do Roseiral.