On the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the twin-city partnership, Qin expressed a desire to deepen exchanges and practical collaboration at governmental, business and community levels. The focus is on working together in areas such as culture, tourism, creative design, trade, investment and technological innovation, the aim being to deepen the friendship and adding to the prosperity of both cities.

Aldridge expresses delight in visiting Shenzhen and enjoying its hospitality, cultural richness and innovative spirit, particularly at the Cultural Fair. He acknowledges the strides made in collaborative efforts and says he is keen to expand the cities' partnerships in economics, trade, culture and education.

Global expansion

Among other things, the flourishing relationship has helped businesses in both cities to pursue global expansion.

Before the memorandum of understanding was signed, few people in Edinburgh would have known much about Shenzhen, says Andrew McRae, proprietor of Museum Context, a seller of licensed Harry Potter merchandise, and founder and chief executive of Elephant House International. The Elephant House cafe is the so-called birthplace of the Harry Potter series, where J.K. Rowling wrote parts of her novels.

"But the special relationship has raised awareness in the business sector in Edinburgh of the opportunities in Shenzhen," McRae says.

His decision to set up shop in Shenzhen was influenced partly by its young, dynamic population, with an average age of about 30. In the city McRae plans to have a space combining a shop and a cafe, and he aims to use the city as a springboard to expand his business to other cities in China.

"It is very much about the strength of Shenzhen being consumer-based, with a population always looking for quality products and having that awareness to experience a UK brand firsthand," he says.