HOUSTON -- Though separated by some 13,400 kilometers and the Pacific Ocean, the port cities of China's Shenzhen and America's Houston share business ties forged when they became sister cities in 1989, a fact not lost on over 100 Houston business leaders at a recent forum held in Houston titled "Invest in Shenzhen, Build a Winning Future."

"We want to build and strengthen this friendship to benefit the people and companies of both cities and ensure international cooperation between Houston and Shenzhen," said Doreen Dai, chief representative of the North American Representative Office of Shenzhen.

Li Shi, deputy director-general of government agency Invest Shenzhen, described Shenzhen as a "wonder city" that has grown from a small fishing village of 30,000 to a vibrant metropolis of more than 10 million people and one of China's largest import/export cities.

"Shenzhen is diversified and has become the city of innovation in China," Li said. "The city of Houston has consistently seen innovation in its business environment. It's at the top of the innovative force in China."

Shenzhen, strategically located just north of Hong Kong, is working to promote more innovative technologies, participate in strategic industry, and become a leader in the financial sector, just as it has become a force in internet technologies. Last year, Shenzhen's GDP surpassed $200 billion, Li said.

Just as Shenzhen has grown into one of China's major cities in the past 30 years, Houston has emerged as a world leader in energy, said Cao Derong, commercial counselor of China's Consulate-General in Houston.

"I think that both cities can create a new level of cooperation," Cao said.

Shao Ting, director of communication and marketing for Invest Shenzhen, said, "The relationship between Houston and Shenzhen is key to the diplomatic international relations between the two (giants)."