Betsy Shieh, commercial counselor of the US Consulate General in Guangzhou, meets with Xiamen officials during her visit to the coastal city in Fujian province on Oct 25. [Photo/xmfo.gov.cn]
The coastal city of Xiamen in Fujian province extended a warm welcome to a visiting US delegation on Oct 25.
The delegation was headed by Betsy Shieh, commercial counselor of the US Consulate General in Guangzhou. It's her first trip to Xiamen since she took office in August.
Yao Jianhong, deputy head of the Xiamen foreign and overseas Chinese affairs office, briefed the delegation on the city's economic development.
As a popular tourist city along China's southeast coast and a major MICE (meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions) city, Xiamen sticks to the vision of open and inclusive development, according to Yao.
Xiamen has maintained close cooperation and exchanges with the US. It established sister city ties with Baltimore about three decades ago and has maintained regular exchanges with Seattle, Sarasota and San Diego, Yao said.
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.
