A 14 member delegation led by the governor of Phuket, Thailand, Chamroen Tipayapongtada attended the 5th Nanyang Culture Festival from April 21 to 25, according to local authorities.
A delegation led by the governor of Phuket, Thailand, Chamroen Tipayapongtada attends the 5th Nanyang Culture Festival from April 21 to 25. [Photo from xmfo.gov.cn]
Xiamen and Phuket signed a letter of intent on the establishment of a sister city relationship on April 22.
Xiamen and Phuket, Thailand, sign a letter of intent on the establishment of a sister city relationship on April 22. [Photo from xmfo.gov.cn]
Xiamen Mayor Pei Jinjia said both Xiamen and Phuket are seashore tourism cities. What’s more, most ethnic Chinese in Phuket are from southern Fujian. In the future, both sides will be able to expand cooperation in tourism, education and high technology, based upon their current close contacts.
Launching of direct flights was the topic for discussion on April 24 when Hong Biling, deputy Party Secretary of Xiamen, met with the delegation to develop economic ties and promote tourism cooperation.
The delegation also visited Xiamen University, Huaqiao University, Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co, Xiamen Software Park and Xiamen Foreign Language School during the visit.
Huaqiao University will set up a tourism education center in the Phuket Thaihua Asean Wittaya School. They will jointly recruit and teach students as a move to support the tourist industry, according to the newly signed collaborative agreement.
Huaqiao University and Phuket Thaihua Asean Wittaya School sign a collaborative agreement to set up a tourism education center together. [Photo from xmfo.gov.cn]
Leaders of Xiamen University and Prince of Songkla University explored cooperation opportunities. [Photo from xmfo.gov.cn]
The delegation reached an intent to purchase with Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co., which is dedicated to R&D, and manufacture and sales of coaches, buses and vans.
Phuket reaches an intent to purchase with Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co during the visit. [Photo from xmfo.gov.cn]
Governor Chamroen said there is an increased demand for passenger cars in Phuket in the wake of booming tourism. The government will continue to support the bilateral cooperation and would welcome King Long’s setting up a distribution company in Phuket.
The management committee of Xiamen Software Park introduces Xiamen’s information technology industry and supportive policies to the delegation. Phuket is a pilot smart city in Thailand and hopes to enhance communication with Xiamen in the high-tech area. [Photo from xmfo.gov.cn]
During the visit, the delegation looked around Gulang Island, Zhongshan Road commercial area and the Xiamen Planning Exhibition Hall to learn about the city.
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.
