October 6, 2009: Bega Valley Shire Council has been approached by representatives from the area of Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China with a view to forming a sister city relationship with Bega and/or the Bega Valley area.

Professor Graham McDowell gave a presentation to Councillors on the benefits of such a relationship early in September and Councillors have arranged for a further presentation to be held on: Tuesday 27 October, 4 pm in the Bega Council Chambers.

Councillors believe there will be a wide range benefits and exchange of information for a number of community, business, and education and health groups in our area.

You or representatives from your organisation are invited to attend the presentation by Helen Wu to further discuss opportunities for the Bega Valley.

Can you please RSVP to the Executive Assistants, Janelle Curtis or Michelle Preo on 64992104 or email to execassist@begavalley.nsw.gov.au

For your information some facts and figures on Ordos are attached to this letter. A full copy of the power point presentation by Professor McDowell is available on request.

Ordos - Facts and Figures

• Area is 87,000 square kilometres

• Population is 1.55 million

• Annual GDP is AUD$18.6 billion

• Average annual GDP per person is AUD$12,000 – in comparison, Shanghai’s average is $10,083, and Beijing’s average is $8,550

• Local Government annual income is AUD$3.5 billion

• Has a rich history and offers many tourist attractions.

Ordos – On to the Future

• Rapid development means more skill resources required

• Concentrate efforts on mining and coal energy conservation, fine chemical technology, environmental energy-saving materials and so on

• Actively promote coal bed methane development and scientific research owning independent intellectual property rights

• Establish facilities and schools