Zhuang Jiahan, mayor of Xiamen, meets with Rustam Minnikhanov, president of Russia's federal subject the Republic of Tatarstan, on May 18. [Photo/xmfo.gov.cn]
Rustam Minnikhanov, president of Russia's federal subject the Republic of Tatarstan, led a delegation to visit Xiamen from May 17 to 18 at the invitation of the governor of Fujian province.
Zhuang Jiahan, mayor of Xiamen, met with the delegation on May 18.
He briefed them on the achievements the city has made in social, economic and industrial development since China's reform and opening-up in the 1980s.
In the near future, Xiamen will actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative and open wider to the outside world.
Zhuang said that the city will make full use of this visit to strengthen its cooperation with Tatarstan in trade, tourism and culture.
President Minnikhanov detailed the state of affairs in Tatarstan.
Tatarstan boasts favorable business climate, ranking third amongst regions in Russia for economic strength. The republic pays close attention to emerging industries, including IT, robot manufacturing and artificial intelligence.
Minnikhanov encouraged more local companies to invest in the republic and he also hoped that this visit will promote Kazan – the capital of Tatarstan and the centre of the region's exchanges with Xiamen.
During their stay in Xiamen, the delegation also visited Meiya Pico, the leading digital forensics and information security products and service provider in China, King Long, China's leading public vehicle manufacturer, and Xiamen XGMA Machinery Co.
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.
