Coastal Georgia is a unique region of economic development with opportunities to partner with international and domestic companies for growth.

Savannah, Hinesville and Brunswick are local cities that have taken advantage of their potential to grow internationally with China.

Recently, the City of Hinesville formalized its sister city relationship with the City of Yichun, China. Six delegates visited Hinesville on Dec. 7 to formalize the sister city relationship between Hinesville and Yichun. They also toured the area to learn about trade and economic development opportunities.

The purpose of this agreement is to strengthen cooperation and exchange between the cities and to enhance the relationship, City of Hinesville Mayor James Thomas said. “Although the primary objective is economic, we are looking forward to cultural, educational and social exchanges as well,” he said.

“It is important that we establish these relationships now so that our children can begin educational exchanges early,” Vice Mayor Yan Ganhui of Yichun, China added.

Hinesville is one of the first Georgia cities to have sister city relationships with China.

This visit was the first step along the journey of long lasting relationships and exchanges between the City of Hinesville and the City of Yichun, China.

Photos by Marguerite West, Media on the Move and cutlines by Krystal R. Britton, City of Hinesville.