FORMER U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who died Wednesday at his U.S. home in Connecticut at the age of 100, made his first visit to Shenzhen at the age of 73 in 1996 and was greatly impressed by the city’s growth. “I like the city of Shenzhen,” Dr. Kissinger, chairman of his strategic consulting firm Kissinger Associates, told the Shenzhen Special Zone Daily in an interview during the December visit. He paid the visit to understand Shenzhen’s development, explore the possibility of foreign investment in major key projects in Shenzhen, and bridge economic cooperation between American enterprises and Shenzhen. On the morning of Dec. 5, 1996, Dr. Kissinger and his entourage, accompanied by officials from the Shenzhen government, first went to the revolving restaurant in the International Trade Center Building in Luohu District, a landmark at that time, and then visited an exhibition on Shenzhen achievements, and Splendid China and China Folk Culture Villages theme parks. The beautiful cityscape and the city’s socioeconomic achievements left a deep impression on Dr. Kissinger, as per the Daily. “It’s remarkable how Shenzhen has transformed from a border town into a modern city in just over a decade,” he said. “The city’s planning is rational, the architecture is beautiful, and particularly, the design of the tourist attractions is ingenious. I like the city of Shenzhen. Shenzhen’s accomplishments demonstrate the outstanding spirit of dedication and creativity of the Chinese people.” During a meeting with Shenzhen officials, Dr. Kissinger agreed that Shenzhen and Kissinger Associates would strengthen communication and enhance cooperation. When talking about Hong Kong, he said he believed Hong Kong would continue to maintain a stable and prosperous development after its return to the motherland, which would bring more development opportunities to both Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The two cities should further strengthen cooperation to promote their common development, he said. (SD News) (Special report on P4) | 