City of Darwin is preparing to host a two-day international festival to strengthen economic and cultural ties with our international sister cities.
Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said international relations were vital to promoting Darwin as a place to do business and invest.
"City of Darwin's responsibilities extend beyond ensuring we continue to service our community effectively. We also have a role in helping promote the economic health of our community.
"We want to continue working with the Northern Territory Government, business and industry and other partners to advance the local economy."
The two-day Darwin International Dragon Boat Festival 2023 will be held in June and is being staged in partnership with the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, with funding from the Australian Government and NT Major Events.
Combining an international trade show and dragon boat racing day, the festival will be held June-4-5.
"The festival will help strengthen Darwin's relations with our Sister Cities and provide opportunities for business and cultural exchange.
"Events like the International Dragon Boat Festival are vital to ensuring Darwin continues to be recognised as an iconic destination offering sustainable investment opportunities."
Mr Vatskalis said in addition to local businesses, the trade show would attract representatives from Darwin's Sister Cities.
"Darwin currently has seven sister cities around the globe which share historic, social, cultural, and geographical similarities with us.
"In addition to encouraging business connections, the festival will also promote cultural exchange through dragon boat racing, which has established itself as an internationally popular sport."
The Australian Government's support for the event aims to develop, promote, and strengthen understanding and engagement between Australia and China.
