South Australian Business News

Let's focus on our sister cities

Anthony Caldwell
Thursday, May 4th 2023

The South Australian Business Chamber has called on the State Government to increase the focus on Adelaide’s Sister City program following the global tech and entertainment conference South by Southwest’s expansion into Sydney. 

Quite simply, it should have been Adelaide.

South by Southwest is a world-renowned event hosted in Austin, Texas – a Sister City of Adelaide. The conference is an essential destination for global professionals in creative industries to come together and share knowledge. 

If the relationship between our Sister Cities had been a higher priority, we could have showcased Adelaide’s expanding creative industries to the world. 

There is much more that can be done to leverage the potential of these relationships to benefit Adelaide.

Adelaide has several Sister Cities including Christchurch, New Zealand; Penang, Malaysia; Himeji, Japan; Austin, United States; and Qingdao, China. They were initially established for a variety of reasons, including the promotion of cultural exchange and economic cooperation. 

By supporting the Sister City programs in Adelaide and others throughout the state, the State Government can help facilitate the exchange of knowledge, culture, and skills between cities. 

For example, Adelaide could share its expertise in renewable energy while learning from their experiences in areas such as urban planning and infrastructure development. These relationships should also be used to promote trade and investment between the cities. 

Last year was the 50th anniversary of our relationship with Christchurch, and our 40th anniversary with Himeji. This year we will celebrate 50 years with Penang, 40 years with Austin, and 10 years with Qingdao. 

Given 2023 marks significant milestones with three of our five sister cities, the South Australian Business Chamber recommends the time is right for the State Government to focus on Adelaide’s and other South Australian Sister City programs. 

The South Australian Business Chamber encourages the State Government to work with the City of Adelaide to actively pursue opportunities that can benefit local businesses and the state’s economy.

The South Australian Business Chamber’s pitch to reinvigorate Adelaide’s Sister City program forms part of 15 recommendations made to the State Government for consideration in the June Budget, to drive business in our state forward in the next financial year.

Author

Anthony Caldwell

Manager, Marketing, Media, Communications
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