Lincolnshire County Council and Hunan Provincial Government officially become twinned regions in October 2018 with a history dating back to August 2015. With dedicated efforts from civic teams at both sides, the relation has engaged a variety of bilateral stakeholders and initiated / enhanced cross-border exchanges across sectors, e.g., education, agriculture, fishery, trade, tourism, investment, etc. The relation has been considered as one of the most significant and representative regional twinning relations between UK and China, recognised by both regional and central governments of both countries.

CBRI has been commissioned by Lincolnshire County Council since 2016 as the Council’s Consultant on China Affairs. CBRI’s main responsibilities include:

1. Advising the Council regarding regional affairs with Hunan and wider affairs with China
2. Drafting long term strategic and short term action plans for the Council
3. Arranging and delivering bilateral senior official visits
4. Shadowing Cllr. Colin Davie Executive Councillor of the Council at Hunan and China related activities, drafting speaking notes and providing live advice on all aspects and levels
5. Liaising on behalf of the Council as point of contact with Hunan Provincial Government and relevant government departments to develop the twinning relation
6. Supporting bilateral stakeholders on behalf of the Council to identify and initiate opportunities for business matching and collaboration based on the twinning relation
7. Facilitating and troubleshooting at all levels

Reference: About Hunan

September 2015 Mr Shi Shaolong Deputy Director of Hunan Food and Strategic Reserves Department visiting Lincolnshire, hosted by Cllr. Colin Davie of Lincolnshire County Council

March 2016 Mr Cai Zhenhong Vice Governor of Hunan Provincial Government visiting Lincolnshire, hosted by Cllr. Colin Davie of Lincolnshire County Council

October 2017 Cllr. Colin Davie of Lincolnshire County Council visiting Hunan, hosted by Mr Wang Kemin Vice Chairman of Standing Committee of Hunan Provincial People’s Congress

April 2018 Mr Wang Kemin Vice Chairman of Standing Committee of Hunan Provincial People’s Congress visiting Lincolnshire, hosted by Cllr. Colin Davie of Lincolnshire County Council

March 2019 Mr Xu Dazhe Governor of Hunan Provincial Government visiting Lincolnshire, hosted by Sir John Peace President of Midlands Engine

November 2019 Cllr. Colin Davie of Lincolnshire County Council visiting Hunan, hosted by Mr Xu Dazhe Governor of Hunan Provincial Government

September 2022 Hunan-Lincolnshire Three Year Plan 2022-2024 signed by Cllr. Colin Davie of Lincolnshire County Council and Mr Li Dianxun Executive Vice Governor of Hunan Provincial Government