Xiamen has seen the development of closer relations with Qatar in recent years, according to Meng Qian, deputy mayor of Xiamen.

Meng made his comments at the China-Qatar Free Zones Investment Forum held in the city on Sept 9, part of the ongoing 2019 CIFIT.

Both sides have conducted frequent exchanges following the development of a "single window" system and Maritime Silk shipping, Meng said

He added that as a pilot area of China's reform and opening-up policies, the Xiamen free trade zone will enhance cooperation with Qatar in Maritime Silk shipping, the construction of trading platforms and customs clearance systems under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Meng added that Qatar is an important partner for China to advance the BRI and also the only country in the Middle East that has approved a currency swap agreement with China's central bank.

Over the past few years, Qatar has maintained closer trading relations with China. Last year, bilateral trade between the two countries posted a double-digit increase of 27 percent to hit $13.5 billion.

Xiamen's foreign trade with Qatar amounted to 1.1 billion yuan ($160 million) over the same period with the main commodities being stones, shoes and clothing.