At the end of June, State Parliament President André Kuper welcomed a delegation from the People's Republic led by His Excellency, Xiong Jianping, Vice-Governor of Zhejiang Province.
For the delegation, the focus of the trip was on the topic of "senior citizens' residential models and care". Accordingly, the program included visits to various care facilities in Dortmund and Münster, as well as discussions with representatives from all five NRW state parliamentary groups. In China, there are 230 million people aged over 60. However, the country is still in its infancy when it comes to professional care for the elderly, emphasized Xiong Jianping. In NRW, the delegation gained helpful impressions, in particular with regard to the quality of care for the elderly as well as the financing of such institutions.
At the reception in parliament, State Parliament President André Kuper underlined the deep-rooted relations between China and North-Rhine Westphalia, which are still constantly evolving: "Every visit brings more friendship." In an exchange with the guests, Kuper emphasized the strengths of NRW – not only its economic power, high level of education and broad scientific landscape, but also its cultural and scenic aspects. This is also appreciated by the approximately 1,000 Chinese companies, including many companies from Zhejiang Province, that have already settled in NRW.
