Düsseldorf (State Capitol of North Rhine - Westphalia)

Situated at the heart of the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region and the central European economic zone, the state capital of North Rhine-Westphalia is one of the most important economic, transport and cultural centres in Germany. The trade fair city is home to numerous listed companies, has the highest revenues from advertising and fashion in Germany, and is an important centre for banking and stock market trading. Düsseldorf Airport is the intercontinental hub of North Rhine-Westphalia. The city on the Rhine has two inland ports and has four higher education institutions, including the renowned art academy and Heinrich Heine University. Düsseldorf has a long tradition as a city of art.

In the 1980s, the city’s appearance was permanently altered by several architectural projects, including the renovation of the State Parliament, the harbour modernisation programme with the development of the MedienHafen and the construction of the Rheinufer Tunnel. Completed in 1993, the tunnel enabled the Düsseldorf old town to reach right up to the Rhine again with the Rheinuferpromenade, a promenade along the banks of the river. In the 1990s, a new office, business and leisure quarter was developed in the MedienHafen.

A variety of contacts exist between Chemnitz and Düsseldorf, at all levels of the administrations of the two cities. Consistent and regular support from Düsseldorf, above all in the areas of information and staff exchanges, was of great assistance in the establishment of the Chemnitz city administration after 1990. The City of Chemnitz expressed its thanks for the support of the City of Düsseldorf by bestowing honorary citizenship on the former Mayor of Düsseldorf Klaus Bungert. Companies, clubs and associations also maintain friendly and regular relationships with the twin city.