Delegation from Chinese city of Karamay

17 February 2017

A delegation from the Chinese city of Karamay has visited Aberdeen to develop the relationship between the cities and encourage cooperation in the development of new technologies for the oil industry.

The visitors were guests of Aberdeen City Council who organised a technology exchange workshop to facilitate collaboration between Aberdeen and Karamay companies. This was followed by a meeting at the Town House to develop the relationship between two of the world’s leading oil and gas cities.

Karamay, in north-west China, has been at the heart of the country’s oil industry since the 1950s. It remains a production and refining hub.

The meeting was attended by Depute Lord Provost John Reynolds to develop existing links through the World Energy Cities Partnership and work together on energy, economic and trade focused activities.

Cllr Reynolds said: “Working together will provide real strength and we look forward to building on Aberdeen’s relationship with Karamay. The cities have the opportunity to hone in on innovation and intelligent manufacturing, identifying areas where we can work together to deliver economic benefits.

“There will also be further opportunities to host civic and trade delegations between the two cities, such as the delegation we are pleased to welcome this week. We are pleased to have representatives from Karamay with us and to be embarking on an exciting new period of co-operation.”

The Chinese delegation included the Deputy Secretary General from the Karamay Municipal Government, Lijun Yan, who has been joined in Scotland by a group of seven which includes representatives from some the city’s key energy industry enterprises.

Aberdeen City Council hopes to further strengthen this link with Karamay City through upcoming meetings in the World Energy Cities Partnership calendar. WECP will meet in May for the Working Meeting taking place in Houston and in October at the WECP Annual General Meeting being held in Halifax.