Thanachot Anuwan
Pattaya officials have formalized their ties to the Chinese city of
Qingdao, signing a cooperative agreement in advance of next year’s World
Plant Expo.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome signed the sister-city agreement with Qingdao
Deputy Mayor Liu Mingjun and Thai-Chinese Culture and Economy
Association President Pinij Jarusombut Jan. 22.
Under discussion since October, the agreement calls for joint promotion
and cooperation in finance, science, technology, cultural studies and
tourism. It also lays the groundwork for Pattaya’s participation in the
World Plant Expo.
The two cities are collaborating on a new Pattaya-Qingdao Coordination
Center in the city’s Rubber Valley. Pattaya’s Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
will invest more than 30 million baht to create a garden for its entry
at the 2014 event.
City officials expect the plant show to boost Pattaya tourism from
China, as more than 15 million people are expected to attend the expo
that runs from April through October.
Pinij said Pattaya and Qingdao are similar in economy and tourism. The
agreement allows for the establishment of consulates, he added.
During their visit, the Chinese officials visited Nong Nooch and saw a
model of the planned center during a presentation from garden Director
Kampol Tansajja.
