The City of Karratha and the Lanshan District of Rizhao, China are official Sister Cities thanks to the collaborative efforts of Mayor Peter Long and Mayor Zhang Guiwei.
In 2013, the Karratha City Council embarked on a journey to foster global connections through the establishment of the Sister City Program. Recognising the significance of cultural exchange and economic collaboration, the program was born with a mission to bring communities closer and nurture partnerships. Lanshan District emerged as the ideal candidate.
The Pilbara is the economic powerhouse of the state of Western Australia and the country. Its regional economic output represents 19.2% of Western Australia’s and 3.4% of Australia’s output, driven by an extractive and export-oriented economy, contributing to 31.5% of Western Australia’s exports.
This makes the Pilbara one of the largest contributors to the state tax revenue, providing 91% of the royalties received by Western Australia. This economy’s strong performance is coupled with an unemployment rate that is almost 3 times lower (1.8% in December 2022) than the average across the OECD (4.9%), mainly driven by strong mining labour demand.
The Pilbara is an export economy with close links to Asia, in particular China, Japan and Korea. In 2023:
Note some of these values include production from outside the Pilbara.
As a result of this huge export orientation, the City of Karratha has seen fit to improve country to country relations through a sister-city relationship with China.
At the heart of the Karratha Sister City Program lies a commitment to exploring trade opportunities that transcend borders. Through collaboration with our Sister City, Lanshan District, we aim to forge a path of mutual economic growth, leveraging each other’s strengths to create a brighter future.
Education is a cornerstone of progress, and our Sister City Program places it at the forefront. By fostering educational exchanges between our communities, we strive to empower students and educators alike, broadening horizons and sharing knowledge across borders.
Cultural enrichment is an essential thread that weaves through our program. By promoting cultural exchanges and celebrating diversity, we aim to deepen understanding and appreciation between Karratha and Lanshan District.
Lanshan is a district of the province of Shandong in the People’s Republic of China. It lies in the prefecture-level city of Rizhao and boasts a rich history and a dynamic population of about 1.4 million. With its strategic coastal location and bustling ports, it serves as a gateway to new trade opportunities.
Rizhao has a population of about 3 million and stands as a beacon of sustainability. Its commitment to solar energy and environmental protection has earned it international recognition as one of the world’s most habitable cities.
As part of the East China region, Shandong is an economic powerhouse with a rich history. Its advantageous location, sustainability initiatives, and diverse industries contribute to its status as a prominent province.
