DAVAO CITY Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio signed on Monday, Feb. 5, two agreements — a sisterhood with Kaua’i, Hawaii and a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Jinjiang City, China — to strengthen direct international relations with focus on economic partnerships.

“Davao City always welcomes opportunities to establish and push linkages that would strengthen our relations with different cities,” Ms. Carpio said during the signing of the sisterhood agreement with Kaua’i City.

“It is our responsibility to make sure we become open to different cultures so we have a wider perspective on how we can improve our services to the community,” she added.

Kawaii Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr. was in the city last year as part of the 26th Trade Mission of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii.

“Agriculture, tourism, culture, trade and commerce. I believe these are areas where both Davao and Kaua’i can mutually benefit since both parties take pride in these fields,” Mr. Carvalho said at the signing.

Mr. Carvalho said there will be an exchange of ideas on agricultural enhancement systems and programs, as well as promote best practices in trade and commerce.

For tourism and culture, the two cities will look into improving mutual access for tourists.

“As both cities gather a vast number of tourists, it is deemed favorable to exchange tourism practices and cultural preservation techniques,” he said.

JINJIANG
Meanwhile, the LOI with Jinjiang City is geared towards a similar sisterhood agreement.

“The city welcomes the creation of a new tie with Jinjiang City, which will hopefully pave the way for an exchange in various fields mutually beneficial to both our cities,” Ms. Carpio told the Chinese delegation headed by Jinjiang City Deputy Mayor Li Zili. — Carmencita A. Carillo

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