Pingyao, Provins sign memo of cooperation

A memorandum of cooperation signing ceremony takes place between Pingyao county and the French town of Provins. [Photo/pingyao.gov.cn]

Pingyao county and Provins -- the north-central French town near Paris known for its medieval architecture -- signed a memorandum of cooperation on July 19. 

The two UNESCO World Heritage Sites have established partnerships in culture, education and tourism since they became sister cities in 2005.

The newly signed memo involves cooperation in five areas. First, Sept 15 of each year will be designated as "Pingyao-Provins Day", followed by a city communications week event. 

The second is the interactive marketing of cultural and tourism products. The two sides will expand their cultural influence through the issuance of cultural products in specialty stores to be established in the two regions. 

The third area of cooperation is that a Provins Café will be built in the Ancient City of Pingyao. Provins will send professionals to carry out training in Pingyao to further promote the integration of Provins' food culture and the local cuisine culture in Pingyao. 

The fourth area is that Pingyao and Provins will innovate and conduct international marketing activities. The two sides will jointly organize exhibitions, fairs and conventions. 

The fifth area of cooperation will be the establishing of a communications and coordination mechanism, to ensure smooth progress is made on agreed matters and regular exchange visits are held between two sides.