A Bundaberg Region delegation to Chinese Sister City Nanning is set to strengthen economic and cultural ties, highlighting opportunities from hotel investment to the latest in agricultural robotics.
The visit is part of Bundaberg Regional Council’s 28-year and award-winning Sister City relationship with Nanning which focuses on supporting economic, educational and cultural exchange.
It comes as Council accepts an invitation to take part in the China-ASEAN Expo from the Nanning government.
The China-ASEAN Expo is an international economic and trade event.
The delegation will see six local community and business representatives join Bundaberg Regional Council’s Sister City Advisory Committee representatives Cr Steve Cooper (chair) and Cr Carmen McEneany, accompanied by Council’s Economic Development Projects Officer.
Across a busy six days in Nanning, the delegation will attend the expo, meet with government representatives, learn more about leading technologies and robotics being incorporated into vegetable production and see first-hand major infrastructure and seniors’ accommodation projects.
Cr Cooper said Council’s relationship with Nanning was key in keeping the Bundaberg Region connected across the Asia-Pacific.
“Bundaberg has held Sister City status with Nanning since 1998 and, more than 25 years later, it remains one of our longest-standing international partnerships,” Cr Cooper said.
“We have again been invited to Nanning for the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo and related events.
“The program includes the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit, an AI application and business-matching event, meetings with Nanning officials, the Nanning–Hanoi Economic Corridor and Belt and Road Friendship City Exchange Conference and further business matchmaking.
“This is an important learning opportunity.
“Nanning is a major regional city with extensive international connections and we can learn from its approaches to economic development, technology, investment, trade and city partnerships.
“We can also promote Bundaberg and identify opportunities for local businesses, education providers and agricultural industries.”
The delegation is set to arrive in Nanning on 16 September 2026.
“The visit is particularly significant following Nanning’s recent major floods,” Cr Cooper added.
“As a Sister City, we should show our support while learning from experiences relevant to our own flood challenges.
“Nanning supported Bundaberg following the 2013 floods with their significant financial investment in our Chinese Gardens, located within the Botanic Gardens, remaining a lasting symbol of that friendship and generosity.”
He said Council’s Sister City relationships, which were also held with Settsu in Japan and Luganville in Vanuatu, had the potential to support business, education, tourism and workforce development.
“They strengthen international connections and raise the profile of the Bundaberg Region.”
Through Council’s Sister City relationship, the Nanning Foreign Affairs Office will provide accommodation, meals and local transport for the Council delegation, with any remaining expenses for Council representatives to be covered by the approved operational budget for this program.
The community and business delegation representatives are self-funding their visit.
