The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to New Zealand His Excellency Dr Wang Xiaolong has made his first visit to Marlborough, hosted by Mayor Nadine Taylor.

Marlborough has a highly successful sister region relationship with Ningxia, China, established in 2017.

Mayor Taylor said it was her great pleasure to host the Chinese Ambassador.

“As an exporting region it is important Marlborough is outward looking and internationally connected. Visits like this are a wonderful opportunity to build on our existing relationships and strengthen our wine, tourism, people and education connections with China,” she said.

Council’s Group Manager, Strategic Management Neil Henry said the purpose of the visit was to showcase Marlborough’s wine industry to the ambassador. “It provided a chance to update him on the success of the Marlborough wine region partnership in wine consultancy, wine technology and wine education.”

The ambassador was accompanied by Consul General Madame He Ying who has visited previously, along with Third Secretary Wang from Chinese Embassy in Wellington and Vice Consul Cui and Vice Consul Li from Chinese Consulate in Christchurch.

Saint Clair Family Estate Senior Winemaker Kyle Thompson was one of several in the hosting party and spent a couple of hours describing the winemaking process in the winery as well as conducting a tasting and vineyard visit.

Further information: www.marlborough.govt.nz/your-council/marlborough-sister-cities

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