Host Cities Toronto, Rio Get Friendly

(ATR) Hosts of the 2015 Pan American Games and 2016 Olympic Games could become friendship cities before this year's Pan Ams in Toronto.

According to Toronto strategic alliances manager Ronald Wandel, Rio de Janeiro and Toronto have been working on a twin city agreement for a few years.

"We’re negotiating a new friendship relationship with Rio de Janeiro that’s probably going to be signed the day prior to the Pan Am Games by [Toronto] Mayor John Tory and the Mayor of Rio, Eduardo Paes," Wandel commented.

If the agreement is signed, Rio will become the sixth friendship city for Toronto, joining Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Kyiv, Ukraine; Quito, Ecuador; Sagamihara, Japan; and Warsaw, Poland.

"There are two aspects we look for in any relationship – how we can help Toronto companies enter the other market, and how we can attract investment from the other market to Toronto," Wandel added.

The signing is supposed to take place during the Toronto Global Forum July 8-10 during which Toronto businesses have the opportunity to forge relationships with international partners.

With Rio hosting the 2016 Olympics, these businesses could gain access to a market with a large global audience brought on by the Games. Similarly, Rio businesses could benefit from exposure during the 2015 Pan Ams in Toronto – a qualifying event for a few Olympic sports.

Both cities want an agreement in writing before proceeding with the deal.

Written by Kevin Nutley

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