New report reviews Shanghai links

Better planning and communication involving Dunedin stakeholders would increase the benefits generated by the sister-city relationship with Shanghai, a new report suggests.

The Shanghai Sister City Relationship report was written by Regina Maniam, a graduate student at the Otago Polytechnic School of Applied Business, and commissioned by the Otago Chamber of Commerce.

The 21-page document was released this week, at an Otago chamber function attended by about 30 people, including Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull, former mayors Peter Chin and Richard Walls, and many other leading figures, including Shanghai Dunedin Association chairman Malcolm Wong.

Based on interviews with people representing six key areas - economic, cultural, sports, education, civic and tourism - the report also reviewed present, past and some planned future activities involving the two cities.

The Dunedin City Council, working with other stakeholders, had developed a strong relationship with Shanghai since Mr Walls signed the original agreement in 1994, the report noted.

But to maximise the benefits, representatives from the various Dunedin sectors should jointly "brainstorm what this relationship needs to achieve", and then help develop a strategic plan.

Not all stakeholders had been aware early enough of official sister-city delegation trips to Shanghai, and there had been "insufficient planning and objective setting" for such trips.

Among "weaknesses" to be overcome in developing business links with Shanghai were "language and cultural difficulties".

The time and repeated visits needed to develop relationships had also proved costly.

The report also urged. -

• Establishing an accessible planning calendar so Dunedin stakeholders knew of events that could be helpful.

• Establishing an internet site focusing on sister-city-related events and information that would build awareness of activities and their benefits.

New Zealand food, wine, dairy products, and fruit were known for their flavour and health qualities and there were niche business opportunities.

Several New Zealand businesses were well established in China, and a "wealth of experience" could be tapped. The sister relationship included cultural aspects and provided "a formalised link to China to enhance economic opportunities".

The report noted the importance of the Dunedin Chinese Garden and of Otago Museum's "Te Ao Maori" exhibition, which opened at the Shanghai Museum in July.

The mayor's presence at events with attendees from Shanghai was "highly valued".

Mr Cull welcomed the report, and had already taken some steps to improve planning.

He had set up an informal liaison group, including himself, deputy mayor Chris Staynes, Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Christie and Mr Wong.

- john.gibb@odt.co.nz