Officials of the Xiamen Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office have an informal discussion with the media delegation from Kazakhstan on Aug 14. [Photo/ fo.xm.gov.cn]
A group of popular bloggers from Kazakhstan toured Xiamen, East China's Fujian province from Aug 13 to 15 to learn more about the city's overall development.
The delegation, organized by the Chinese Embassy in Kazakhstan, comprises of 16 bloggers who are active in new media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, which have become popular in Kazakhstan in recent years, and thus have gained a great influence and appeal among its public.
Shao Yuqin, deputy director of Xiamen Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office, introduced the city's achievements in the economy, culture, education, environment and social services over the 40 years since China's reform and opening-up at an informal discussion with the delegation on Aug 14, in the hope of enhancing their understanding of the city and promoting the economic and cultural exchanges between Kazakhstan and Xiamen.
The delegation expressed how impressed they were of Xiamen's achievements as well as with China's Belt and Road Initiative.
During the three-day tour, the delegation also visited the Xiamen Planning Exhibition Hall, Xiamen University, and the city's high-tech company Meiya Pico, gaining a deep impression of the city's urban development, academic environment and technological progress.
Kazakhstan shares a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, and is the first overseas country on the northwest of China that is involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.
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.
