Hull and Fengtai Celebrate 20 Years of Strategic Partnership

Hull and Fengtai Celebrate 20 Years of Strategic Partnership

A landmark dinner held this week in Hull has marked the 20th anniversary of the strategic partnership between Fengtai District in Beijing and the city of Hull. The relationship, first formalised in 2016 through a civic twinning ceremony, continues to offer powerful opportunities across education, culture and international investment.

The event was hosted at The Deep, Hull’s iconic waterfront attraction and the world’s largest submarium. It brought together civic leaders, parliamentarians, council representatives, educationalists and business leaders to reflect on the significance of the partnership and to explore opportunities for its renewal and future development.

The evening was chaired by Peter Aarosin, Chair of For Entrepreneurs Only and former Chair of Bondholders, who paid tribute to the late Lord John Prescott, former MP for Hull East and UK Deputy Prime Minister. Lord Prescott was instrumental in building the foundations of the Hull and Fengtai relationship, particularly through his work on environmental diplomacy and his efforts to establish the 2016 civic twinning.

“This milestone not only recognises longstanding ties between our communities,” said Peter Aarosin, “but also represents a unique business opportunity rooted in mutual respect, global ambition and untapped potential.”

He described the partnership as a pathway for economic, cultural and educational collaboration, adding, “Now is the time to reset and reengage. The foundation has been laid.”

One of the most successful elements of the partnership has been in education, with more than 100 Chinese students visiting Hull and East Yorkshire annually. These visits have helped foster strong links with local schools including Kingswood Academy and Tranby. The event honoured Maria Wang, Director of International Education in Fengtai, whose leadership has sustained these exchanges, and welcomed Mr Lewis Anderson, CEO of YCJA Elite Education Technology Group Inc., Special Business, Culture and Education Liaison for Fengtai District Beijing, and Director of Foreign Affairs at Lize International Academy. A Hull-born alumnus of Archbishop Sentamu School, Lewis played a key role in organising the celebration and continues to act as a vital link between the two cities.

“Tonight was about bringing together like minds with a shared purpose which is centred around the development of Hull,” said Lewis Anderson. “We all respect Hull and we respect Fengtai and we see that the only way to succeed is through collaboration. We have started to make new contacts and form relationships that can help support and develop this partnership into the future.”

Four short films were shown throughout the evening:

Lewis Anderson introduced a film about Fengtai District, showcasing its scale and economic strength, often described as “China’s Canary Wharf on steroids”

Dr Diana Taylor, Managing Director of Future Humber, introduced two videos. The first presented the story of place and identity across Hull and the Humber, and the second highlighted the opportunities presented by the Humber Freeport

Paul Hatley, Project Director of Lagoon Hull, delivered a powerful presentation on the proposed Hull and Humber Lagoon, a transformative infrastructure vision for flood protection, port development, transport and placemaking

Speaking to guests ahead of the films, Diana Taylor described Hull and the Humber as “a region defined by opportunity, ambition and relentless innovation.” She emphasised the region’s maritime identity, creative spirit and clean growth potential, adding, “This is a city and region where enterprise and creativity go hand in hand.” Her presentation reflected not only the strategic advantages of the Freeport, but also the values, talent and shared vision that underpin the region’s future.

“This is about generating growth and creating opportunities for young people,” added Paul Hatley. “It unlocks the problem of transport, flood protection, port development and placemaking. We need our business community to see that ambition and support this to enable it to happen. We also need to communicate the benefits clearly so people understand how this project will develop the region.”

The Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, Luke Campbell MBE, addressed guests and underlined the importance of action and unity.

“We can gain so much when cultures come together,” said Mayor Campbell. “Tonight’s conversations from inspiring cultural ideas to innovation exchange are very exciting. There are great opportunities through working together for innovation and investment to drive our prosperity. Building international partnerships is essential to our work This is strengthening not only our business links but the fabric of our city. Together we can build bridges between Hull and Fengtai that benefit us all.”

During the concluding Q and A session, guests discussed a number of practical next steps to build on the evening’s momentum. These included the ambition for a reciprocal civic visit to Fengtai later this year and the proposal for a dedicated Chinese cultural festival in Hull, designed to celebrate the long-standing relationship through arts, food and educational exchange.

Maria Wang reflected on the educational legacy of the partnership, saying, “From the years of this partnership, my interest has been education. I’ve seen the huge involvement of high school children, which then leads to university applications, which then leads to business success. Hundreds of people have achieved success because of this partnership.”

The formalities closed with Mayor Campbell presenting a commemorative gift to Maria Wang in recognition of her many years of commitment to building links between Hull and Fengtai.

Coverage of the event will feature in China Daily, showcasing the global relevance of the partnership and the opportunity it represents for Hull.