QINGDAO has recently had Vila Velha in Brazil added to its list of sister cities.

    The two cities have been actively involved in mutual exchanges in port, trade, culture and education since the signing of a cooperative memorandum in 2009.

    Vila Velha is a coastal town in Espírito Santo, Brazil and has a population of 440,000 covering an area of 208.82 square kilometers.

    Vila Velha is surrouded by Brazil’s four developed states and is home to the biggest chocolate company in Latin America.

    In addition, the city has well developed mechanical and manufacturing industries as well as a major tourism industry.

    (Li Hao, Yu Feng)