Seattle Deputy Mayor Smith Charms Chongqing

Seattle deputy mayor Darryl Smith spoke at the summit of the International Garden Expo in Chongqing, China on Saturday, November 19th after a very successful lunch the previous day with deputy director Zhang Haiqing of the Foreign Affairs Office. Smith was part of the Seattle Chinese Garden delegation attending the opening ceremonies – sent to China by Seattle mayor Mike McGinn to represent Seattle at this important event showcasing gardens from around the world on a 476-acre site in the largest city in the world.

Mayor McGinn asked Darryl Smith to represent him at the EXPO opening and take advantage of the excellent opportunity to meet with Chongqing officials to explore future opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration.  "Both of our cities face the challenge of providing economic opportunities for a growing population while maintaining a high quality of life," wrote Mayor McGinn in a letter to Chongqing mayor Huang Qifan. Smith discussed finding better ways to reduce carbon emissions and protect our natural resources by developing sustainable energy resources, more transportation alternatives, and better building practices.  "Perhaps these are some of the areas where we can partner in order to achieve better results in our respective cities," wrote Mayor McGinn.

On the lake at the Chongqing Expo 

Smith, who has served as an advocate, activist and community building expert in southeast Seattle, has built strong relationships in business, housing, community development, environmental sustainability, and arts and cultural affairs in Seattle.  He spearheaded the revitalization of Columbia City, making it a vital active community, attracting new business development.

Boy crossing bridge in the "Seattle Garden"

His visit to Chongqing with Garden board vice president Jim Dawson was his first to China.  The Chinese were very impressed with his understanding of our two cities' need to pursue clean energy and charmed by his  engaging manner.

As part of the official EXPO activities planned for next year, the Chongqing Parks Bureau and the Housing and Urban-Rural Development of China are working with the Seattle Chinese Garden to organize a "Seattle Week" of activities to take place in Chongqing in early spring 2012. Scott Heinlein is spearheading the business activities planned during the Seattle Week celebrations which will include banquets with senior US and Chinese officials, business breakfast roundtable discussions, and meetings with Washington State and Seattle companies already doing business in Chongqing (contact Scott Heinlein at 206-229-8587 or via email at heinlein@wachinacenter.com if you are interested in attending). 

Board member Sandy Marvinney will be organizing the cultural part of the delegation. Sandy can be reached at sandymar2@comcast.net.  

Artist Liu Nenfeng who has donated a sculpture to the Garden (see previous blog entry) presents Smith with a gift.

Jim Dawson photos.