Rapides Parish Looks to Link with China

The Rapides Parish Police Jury is a step closer to forging an educational, cultural and commercial partnership with a Chinese city.

The Town Talk reports a jury committee approved a motion brought to the panel by state Rep. Herbert Dixon, D-Alexandria, to support efforts to build a sister community relationship with the city of Shangqiu. The full Police Jury will vote on the resolution next week.

A dialogue about a possible relationship between the regions began when several central Louisiana residents participated in a trip to China last March. In September, a delegation from Shangqiu visited central Louisiana.

The partnership would emphasize building mutually beneficial opportunities in trade, cultural and educational exchange and tourism.