A NEW SISTER

Getting a new relative in the family, whether by birth or marriage, is an occasion for celebration. Cape Girardeau got a sister this week when it formally agreed to be the sister city of Shaoxing, a city of 300,000 population near the eastern coast of China south of Shanghai.

This is the first sister-city agreement for Cape Girardeau, although an effort was made in the late 1980s to create a similar relationship with a city in Japan. For Shaoxing, this week's agreement with Cape Girardeau marks the seventh time it has established formal relations with other cities. The others are in Japan, Denmark and France.

In a world that seemingly has grown smaller, thanks to rapid air travel and instantaneous communications capabilities, sister-city agreements and other trade and cultural links have become pathways for cooperation and communication. Indeed, the pact with Shaoxing specifically encourages exchanges in the areas of economics, trade, culture, education, science, technology and construction.

One of the most obvious advantages of the agreement is likely to be the educational opportunities available at Southeast Missouri State University for students from the Chinese city. Already there are a number of Chinese students on the campus, where there is particular interest in the programs offered by the nationally -- an internationally -- acclaimed Donald L. Harrison College of Business.

As representatives of both cities become more familiar with the needs and opportunities of each other, there are likely to be programs developed that will bring significant benefits to both communities. It can be hoped that Cape Girardeau's new sister city will offer a long and rewarding relationship.