Time of establishment of friendly relations: November 1997

Overview:

Scania, also known by its native name of Skåne, is the southernmost county of Sweden. Its capital, Malmö, faces Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, across the sea, connected by the Øresund Bridge. The county covers an area of 19,500 square kilometers and has a population of 1.2 million.

Scania, renowned for its advanced agriculture and industry, is a global leader in various sectors, including underwater technology, engineering automation, electronics, electromechanics, food, medical devices, construction and building materials. The region is a hotbed of innovation, attracting numerous world-class information and communication technology companies. Medicon Valley, one of Europe's premier biotechnology parks, is located within Scania.

Relations with Guangdong:

Since establishing friendly relations, Guangdong and Scania have engaged in practical cooperation and exchanges in the realms of education, environmental protection and the pharmaceutical sector. A water plant in Zhanjiang has adopted technology and capital from a Scania-based company for project upgrades; Sun Yat-sen University has initiated a doctoral student exchange program with Lund University, fostering academic collaboration; various departments in Guangdong, including those focused on legislation, taxation and social security, have conducted exchanges with Scania. The Swedish company Tetra Pak has established a joint venture in Foshan, further deepening economic ties. In the early stages of 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ma Xinghui, the then governor of Guangdong, and Annika Annerby Jansson, president of the Scania Regional Council, exchanged letters of condolence and support.

Other friendship cities:

Guangdong–Gävleborg County;

Guangzhou–Linköping; Zhuhai–Gävle.