Linked cities

Links to major port cities

Southampton has a long-standing twinning link with the major French port of Le Havre and Rems Murr Kreis in Germany. These relationships have generated a wide range of cultural and social exchanges, supported by the city council and the European Service.

Southampton's links with the key Adriatic port of Trieste were strengthened in 2003 when a delegation from the Italian City met with their English counterparts. Trieste is keen to develop a special relationship with Southampton for collaborative projects in economic development, academic links, tourism, culture and special events.

The two cities are already partners in the EU-funded NEW EPOC (Renewing Economic Prosperity for Port Cities) project, which is led by Southampton

The Trieste delegation included Assessore Maurizio Bucci, Deputy Mayor of Trieste responsible for economy and tourism; Dr Edgardo Busani, Head of Economic Development and Mr Roberto Galli, Commercial Attaché to the British Consulate General in Milan. They met with senior civic leaders and officers.

Special relationships

Southampton City Council has a special relationship with the Russian city of Kaliningrad, an area of strategic interest for the European Union, and has succeeded in obtaining EU TACIS and British Council Know How funding to support this link in the past. This has allowed the city council to share experience and knowledge with Kaliningrad in areas such as public transport and environmental management systems. In June 2005, the leader of Southampton City Council will visit Kaliningrad to offer our continued assistance during their 750th anniversary celebrations.

The South Coast Metropole Partnership (SCMP), an informal alliance of the main urban centres of Bournemouth, Poole and Southampton has developed well-established links with Newfoundland in Canada to promote each party's marine/maritime interests.

The Polish city of Szczecin has in the past forged links with Southampton. The links are based upon a transfer of know how regarding business information services with the objective of Szczecin becoming a part of the Hatrics network. Hatrics is a subscription organisation based in Central Southern England providing a network for the supply and exchange of information between its members. Relations between the cities have been strengthened as a result of a visit to Szczecin from representatives of Southampton City Council and Southampton Chamber of Commerce. A return visit is still planned.

'Sister City' link with Qingdao

Southampton has had a 'Sister City' link with the Chinese port city of Qingdao since 1997. Like Southampton, Qingdao is a world centre for oceanographic and climatic studies. A number of high level visits have taken place involving representatives from local government, businesses and business support agencies which have resulted in a range of trade benefits.

The City Council, Chamber of Commerce and China-Britain Business Council jointly fund a dedicated office in Qingdao to facilitate business contacts. Exchanges have taken place between teaching and health authority staff. The Southampton Youth Orchestra has also toured Beijing, Xian and Qingdao.