Yao noted that since the reform and opening-up, the economic and trade cooperation between Xiamen and the US is growing rapidly. So far, several US-based Fortune 500 companies, including Dell and Boeing have made investment or set up factories in Xiamen.
Xiamen Airlines has opened three direct flights to US cities, which will help promote economic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges between Xiamen and the US, according to Yao.
Yao also expressed his wish that Betsy will help match investors with projects and create more opportunities for their economic and trade cooperation.
Betsy marveled at the development achievements Xiamen has made in the past 30 years. As one of the first American students in Xiamen since China's reform and opening-up, she has deep feelings for Xiamen.
She pledged to push forward the cooperation between Xiamen and the US in tourism, aviation and e-commerce industries. The commercial counselor also introduced the experience of Pittsburgh's successful transformation from a heavy industry city to a city with advantageous industries of health care, education and high-tech.
Betsy said she will explore cooperation opportunities for Xiamen and Pittsburgh in headquarters economy, advanced manufacturing, aviation and tourism industries.
During their stay in Xiamen, the delegates visited the Xiamen Airlines and Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, during which the two sides discussed the possibilities of cooperation in aircraft charter services, airport construction and franchising.
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.
