![Councillor-Aldo-Ruberto Councillor Aldo Ruberto](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Councillor-Aldo-Ruberto.jpg)
![Councillor Aldo Ruberto](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Councillor-Aldo-Ruberto.jpg)
Successful Trip to Jiaozhou City for Thunder Bay Team
THUNDER BAY – The City of Thunder Bay delegation has returned. Sister City Chair, Councillor Aldo Ruberto says “The trip has opened up many opportunities for Thunder Bay”. The trip to Jiaozhou, China, a city of 3.6 million people is a key mining centre in China.
John Mason from the CEDC was able, Ruberto shares to gather key contacts that will help the mining sector in Northwestern Ontario.
The delegation met with mining officials, city officials, and learned a lot about the new sister city.
Ruberto said it is a city that had the team going from day to night. Coming back to Thunder Bay, Ruberto looks a little tired, but long flights and little sleep will do that.
Jiaozhou is a city of opportunity
Jiaozhou is also a manufacturing community making bulldozers. Ruberto reports that the production line is fast. “From beginning to end, it takes ten minutes for a bulldozer to be made”.
The new sister city is also an agricultural centre, wheat, corn, and even grapes are staple crops.
There are opportunities as well, for Lakehead University and Confederation College. Colin Kelly from Confederation College was able to make important connections for educational opportunities.
Ruberto says that the potentials for the trip are huge. In Jiaozhou, for example ice cream is a very popular treat. However the manufacturers are looking for ice cream sticks.
Thunder Bay, through its Sister City program is looking to build up economic partnerships. In Jiaozhou the business leaders like joint ventures, the potential is there for the city.
The Councillor will be making a full report to Thunder Bay City Council.