Senior officials from ten Eastern European countries were welcomed by Xiamen Mayor Pei Jinjia during their three-day visit to the city in Fujian province from Aug 24 to 26.
Xiamen's Mayor Pei Jinjia meets with the head of a delegation from ten Eastern European countries in Southeast China's coastal city of Xiamen on Aug 25, 2016. [Photo/xmfo.gov.cn]
During the meeting, Pei briefly introduced Xiamen's socio-economic progress.
He emphasized that Xiamen is a highly open city, with good traffic and environmental conditions, and that it has developed into an important base for production and research and development in advanced manufacturing, attracting a large amount of foreign investment.
Located on the Taiwan Straits coast, Xiamen is also a key platform for exchanges between Chinese mainland and Taiwan, and a major conduit for interactions between China and the outside world more generally, Pei added.
Finally, Pei also drew the delegates' attention to the launch of the Xiamen-Chengdu-Europe rail line in August 2015, which has already transported 20,000 tons of imported and exported cargos between the two regions. He expressed his hope that the new trade route will facilitate their collaboration in tourism, trade and cultural exchange.
The head of the delegation, internal affairs advisor to the president of the Republic of Macedonia, extended her thanks to Pei for the hospitality the visitors had received and praised the city's scenic landscape. She commended China's rapidly thriving and prosperous development and said China was a model for Eastern Europe. She concluded by hoping the visit helps to further deepen the cooperation and long-term friendship of their countries.
During their stay, the delegation was given a diverse tour of Xiamen, with stops at a range of economic, education and tourism centers.
The delegates were greatly impressed by their visit to the Xiamen Area of China (Fujian) Pilot Free Trade Zone, particularly the zone's creative endeavors and development priorities in international transactions such as the one-stop "single window" service.
At Xiamen University, the group conducted preliminary talks about student exchanges possibilities after a tour of the campus and an introduction to the university's academic achievements.
The delegation also admired Xiamen's historical and cultural heritage after traveling to Gulangyu Island and the famous Buddhist South Putuo Temple, originated in the Tang Dynasty. Gulangyu Island is renowned for its beaches, winding lanes and diverse architecture, and the temple's buildings and priceless relics are quite spectacular.
China announced and implemented on May 15 a policy allowing visa-free entry of foreign tourist groups aboard cruise ships via all cruise ship ports along the country's coastline.
China and Georgia are set to waive visa requirements for travelers starting May 28.
