Stuttgart (OTE) – On June 25, the 17th „Taicang Day“ event kicked off
in Stuttgart,
marking a significant milestone in the longstanding relationship
between Taicang, a city in E China, and Germany. The event returned
to its original location in the heart of the „Motor City,“ where
nearly 300 guests, including officials from the Baden-Württemberg
state government, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Stuttgart
government, the German Chamber of Commerce, renowned trade and
investment promotion organizations, and executives from German
companies, gathered to discuss new opportunities for Sino-German
cooperation.
Hosted by the Taicang municipal government, this year’s theme,
„Innovation-Driven, Green Win-Win,“ highlighted Taicang’s deepening
ties with Germany across various sectors, including trade, education,
culture, and sustainability. The event was a platform for fostering
continued collaboration between both nations, with key discussions on
shared innovation and sustainable development.
In his opening speech, Wang Xiangyuan, Party Secretary of
Taicang, highlighted the city’s strong ties with the automotive
industry. He noted that 70% of a car’s components can now be produced
in Taicang, and 70% of German enterprises in Taicang are related to
automotive manufacturing. The first German company to settle in
Taicang, KERN-LIEBERS, also hails from the Baden-Württemberg region,
where Stuttgart is located. Today, Taicang is home to over 550 German
companies, with one-fifth of them originating from this region.
Taicang’s strategic location in China’s most economically
developed Yangtze River Delta, coupled with its strong transportation
network, has made it a key economic hub. Taicang is a vibrant symbol
of the country’s reform and opening-up, often referred to as a „small
gem city“ of in the southern Yangtze River region. With per capita
green park space at levels comparable to European cities and a life
expectancy exceeding 85 years, the city is known for its leisurely
urban lifestyle. Though a small city in China, Taicang is well-known
in Germany. Former Chinese Ambassador to Germany, Shi Mingde, once
remarked that Taicang’s reputation in Germany surpasses its
recognition in China.
The city’s proximity to Shanghai, with six rail lines connecting
them and a travel time of just 30 minutes to major transportation
hubs, has further strengthened its role as a satellite city for
international business. With its bustling port, Taicang is also an
essential gateway for global trade, boasting one of China’s largest
foreign trade ports, Taicang Port. More than 200 international
shipping routes connect Taicang to key markets across Europe, the
Middle East, and Asia. Notably, one in every ten cars exported from
China passes through Taicang Port, underscoring the city’s vital role
in global supply chains.
During the event, Dr. Steim, at 84 years old, received both the
„Hi Taicang Card“ (a special citizen’s card) and the „City Honor
Card,“ which earned him a standing ovation for his contribution to
Sino-German cooperation. Dr. Steim arrived in Taicang in 1993, when
it was much like a German city, and soon after, the first German
enterprise was established there. He has since been a driving force
and witness to over 30 years of deepening cooperation. The „City
Honor Card“ is awarded by the municipal government to individuals who
have made significant contributions to the economic and social
development of Taicang. The „Hi Taicang Card“ is a special initiative
for foreign residents, offering convenience in healthcare, education,
transportation, and other daily life needs.
On the same day, several important cooperation agreements were
signed, including agreements between Taicang High-Tech Zone and the
Bundesliga, as well as with GIZ (the German Development Agency).
These agreements, spanning areas such as trade, culture, and
vocational education, underscore Taicang’s continued efforts to
strengthen its economic ties with Germany while promoting cross-
cultural exchange and sustainable development.
To celebrate the 255th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth, the 2025
Sino-German Beethoven Choral Art Exhibition and the first Sino-German
Choral Festival will be held in Taicang from August 22 to 24, 2025.
Looking ahead, Taicang is positioning itself as a leading center
for Sino-German collaboration. With a robust industrial ecosystem, a
rich cultural heritage, and a commitment to sustainable development,
the city offers abundant opportunities for businesses and investors.
As the event concluded, attendees were reminded of the deep and
lasting bond between Taicang and Germany, one that continues to
thrive and evolve with each passing year.
Digital press kit: http://www.ots.at/pressemappe/DE167344/aom