Hualien County and San Gabriel City Establish Sister City Ties, Opening New Opportunities for International Collaboration

(中央社訊息服務20250214 18:29:58)

Today (February 14), Hualien County and San Gabriel City, USA, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Sister Cities at Dachen Park, making San Gabriel City the eighth sister or friendly city of Hualien County. In celebration of Valentine’s Day, Hualien County Mayor Hsu Chen-Wei and San Gabriel City Mayor John Wu distributed chocolate bouquets to attendees, fostering a warm and festive atmosphere that symbolized friendship and goodwill.

Mayor Hsu noted that San Gabriel City, one of the oldest cities in Southern California, is renowned for its rich educational resources and cultural diversity. Like Hualien, it values cultural heritage and ethnic integration. This partnership is expected to foster greater development opportunities between the two regions.

The signing ceremony was held in conjunction with the inauguration of Dachen Park, marking the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the Dachen Islanders in Taiwan. This highlights Hualien’s role as a gateway to multicultural integration. Moving forward, both sides will strengthen international ties through resource sharing, with the goal of attracting more international visitors and talent, and realizing the vision of “Hualien to the World, the World to Hualien.”

Mayor Wu reflected on his participation in the 2024 Pacific Austronesian Indigenous Joint Harvest Festival in Hualien, where he experienced the region’s warm hospitality. He also emphasized the strong mutual support between the two communities during the April 3 earthquake and the wildfires in Southern California, reflecting their deep bond. Additionally, he praised the direct flight route from Hualien to Hong Kong, emphasizing that it will improve international connectivity and offer North American travelers more convenient transit options.

Distinguished guests at the signing ceremony included Director Lin I-Cheng of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, Hualien County Council Deputy Speaker Hsu Hsueh-Yu, several council members, and local dignitaries, who together witnessed this historic occasion.