Tianjin and Melbourne are celebrating the 45th anniversary of their sister city relationship, which began in 1980. Over the years, this partnership has grown beyond trade to encompass collaboration in education, urban development and the green economy.

Melbourne at dusk [Photo provided to en.tj.gov.cn]

The connection between the two cities began with their shared "port heritage". As China and Australia's first sister cities, they have expanded their cooperation into areas such as city planning, education, and sustainability. A key initiative is the "Advanced Economic Management Training Program" launched in 2001, which has trained nearly 400 Tianjin officials at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), helping them gain a deeper understanding of Australia's political, economic, and cultural landscape.

Another major project is the Haihe River redevelopment in Tianjin, which was inspired by Melbourne's successful Yarra River transformation. This collaboration led to the introduction of Melbourne-based design expertise in Tianjin, resulting in landmarks like the National Marine Museum and Jinmao Hui Shopping Center.

Tianjin night view [Photo provided to en.tj.gov.cn]

In recent years, the cities have focused on promoting youth exchanges, sports, and cultural ties. Melbourne plans to host a large-scale food and beverage promotion in Tianjin, aiming to expand its market presence in North China. Additionally, educational partnerships between Tianjin institutions and Melbourne's universities continue to grow, with initiatives in nursing, English, and vocational training, strengthening ties between the younger generation of both cities.

Tianjin and Melbourne are also collaborating on the green economy and sustainable urban development, with joint research and business exchanges in areas such as energy efficiency, urban planning, and environmental protection. This long-standing partnership continues to evolve, reflecting both cities' commitment to innovation, mutual growth, and a shared vision of a sustainable future.