Xiamen, Karelia to strengthen ties

Shao Yuqin (right), deputy head of the Xiamen foreign and overseas affairs office, meets with Vladimir Timofeev (left), deputy head of the Russian Republic of Karelia on strategic development on Jan 25. [Photo/xmfo.gov.cn]

Xiamen, Fujian province received a delegation from the Russian Republic of Karelia headed by Vladimir Timofeev, deputy head of the region on strategic development, from Jan 25 to 26.

The delegation was made up of 17 delegates, including government officials, businessmen, and representatives in the cultural, tourism and educational sectors.

The visit was designed to discuss issues regarding trading, tourism and cultural cooperation.

During his visit at the San'an Optoelectronics Co, a Xiamen-based semiconductor company, Timofeev expressed his interest in LED grow lights, which can act as daylight in the absence of sunlight, allowing the growth of plants.

The delegation also visited the Seashine Imported Goods Sales Center, Xiamen Modern Terminal Co and the Haitian Container Terminals.

Delegates from the cultural sector visited the Xiamen City Planning Exhibition Hall, Xiamen Museum and Xiamen Library. They were briefed on the overall planning of the city and got an understanding of the city's history and folk customs. The delegates were also impressed by the high-tech applied in the library to better serve readers.

On Jan 25, Shao Yuqin, deputy head of the Xiamen foreign and overseas affairs office, met with the delegation and introduced the city's economic and social development.

Shao expressed his willingness to establish close ties with the Karelian capital Petrozavodsk. Timofeev agreed on Shao's suggestions and invited Xiamen to send delegates to attend the "Fujian Week" to be held in August in the Republic of Karelia. The two sides are expected to discuss issues regarding trade, culture and tourism and strengthen friendship.