Changzhou industrial park building community inspired by kibbutz

2022-08-04 16:18:00

Nearly 50 foreigners in Changzhou participated a cultural program held at the China-Israel Changzhou Innovation Park (CICP) on August 3.

The expats from Israel, the UK, France, Italy and other countries learned about traditional handicrafts and also enjoyed shows in the Love Changzhou program in celebrating the Qixi Festival, Chinese Valentine's Day.

The CICP is the first experimental zone for innovation cooperation established by the two governments and inaugurated in 2015. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Israel. To promote cultural exchange, the CICP has also introduced a kibbutz program supported by the Consulate General of Israel in Shanghai.

Edward Shapira, the Consul General of Israel in Shanghai, said cultural exchange is the foundation for deepening friendship and expanding cooperation between the two countries. He said the Consulate General of Israel in Shanghai will continue to support the CICP and carry out more colorful exchange programs in Changzhou.

The word kibbutz means ‘gathering’, a type of settlement unique to Israel, and a collective community, traditionally agricultural and often also industrial. To attract more Israeli professionals, the park has created an innovative community inspired by kibbutz, which integrates the services and facilities including talent service, a theater, an exhibition center and a kosher restaurant to create a sense of belonging and a vibe of Tel Aviv.

The park will open all public resources in the community, host more cultural workshops, and invite more people to understand the park’s development.