Sister city since: May 2005

Overview

Novo Horizonte is a municipality in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. It covers an area of 935 square kilometers and has a population of 33,000. The local economy relies on agriculture and animal husbandry, as well as sugar and textile production. Novo Horizonte also produces tropical fruits and coffee. The city offers fast connections by road and waterway and wide coverage of utilities, and is home to a number of universities and technical schools.

Relations with Xiantao

Xiantao and Novo Horizonte began their contact back in 2000 when Xiantao Maiya Company invested in blanket and plush toy production in Novo Horizonte.

In September 2001, Ying Daiming, then secretary of the CPC Xiantao Municipal Committee, led a delegation to Novo Horizonte. The two cities reached a consensus on promoting economic exchanges and friendly relations. All the members of the delegation were awarded the title of honorary citizens. In December of the same year, mayor of Novo Horizonte led a delegation to Xiantao. The two cities signed a letter of intent for sister city ties and a cooperation agreement on Hubei Maiya Blanket Factory.

In October 2002, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs approved the twinning of Xiantao and Novo Horizonte.

On May 30, 2005, the two cities formally signed a sister city agreement.