【Established Date】 On February 23, 1995, Tianjin and Bilbao, Spain signed a letter of intent for friendly exchange and cooperation relations.

【City Characteristics】 Bilbao, a city in northern Spain, is situated at the estuary of River Nervion, and some 12 kilo- meters from the Bay of Biscay. The Port of Bilbao is the second largest in Spain after Barcelona. Locating in an iron producing area, Bilbao is one of the biggest centers for steel-making and chemical industries in Spain. Fishing industry is another crucial economic support of the city. Other industries in Bilbao include shipbuilding, textiles and electrical equipment manufacturing.