Visit of the Nanchong Delegation – Silk City (China) to Murcia

On 28 November, the Region of Murcia welcomed the Delegation of Nanchong – Silk City of China, strengthening the historical and contemporary ties that unite both territories through their shared sericultural heritage. This visit followed a previous meeting in Nanchong, where a representative from the Region of Murcia presented the region’s long-standing tradition in silk production and the fundamental role played by IMIDA in silk-related research. It was this information that sparked the interest of the Chinese delegation and encouraged them to take advantage of their trip to Geneva—where they were attending a United Nations event on geographical indications—to also visit Murcia.

The delegation was received at the Museum of Science and Water of Murcia, where they toured the temporary exhibition devoted to silk. The visit provided an opportunity to learn about the region’s historical sericultural legacy as well as the research and innovation projects currently being developed, aimed at recovering and promoting this valuable heritage.

Objectives of the Visit

• To learn about Murcia’s work related to silk, from its historical significance to IMIDA’s modern research initiatives.
• To strengthen the connection between Nanchong and Murcia, two regions deeply linked by their long tradition in silk production and processing.
• To explore the possibility of establishing collaboration agreements, fostering ongoing communication between both institutions with a view to encouraging the exchange of knowledge, research, and technological development in the field of sericulture.

Members of the Nanchong Delegation

1. Mr Ming Gang
   General Manager, Sichuan Nanchong Liuhe (Group) Co., Ltd.
2. Mr Zhang Lin
   Chairperson, Nanchong Textile Industry Trade Union Federation
3. Ms Tan Lili
   Manager, Silk Experience Museum, Sichuan Nanchong Liuhe (Group) Co., Ltd.
4. Mr Luo Jianzhe
   Expert on Geographical Indications, China Intellectual Property Training Center
5. Mr Wang Baolin
   Director of Photography, Chengdu Chengli Culture Media Co., Ltd.
6. Mr Lei Kun
   Counsellor, Beijing International Economy and Trade Development Association
7. Ms Zhuhan Wei
   Interpreter

This visit represents an important step towards building a strong and lasting relationship between Nanchong and the Region of Murcia. United by a shared historical legacy in the world of silk, both regions now look to the future with the intention of deepening international cooperation, promoting research, and enhancing the value of their sericultural heritage.