Zhuang Jiahan (right), mayor of Xiamen, meets with Leonidas Rokanas, head of the diplomatic officers delegation and ambassador of Greece to China, in Xiamen, Fujian province on Nov 29. [Photo/fo.xm.gov.cn]
Diplomatic officers from 14 countries involved with the Belt and Road Initiative recently visited Xiamen, east China's Fujian province.
Zhuang Jiahan, mayor of Xiamen, gave the visitors details on the city's economic and social development at a meeting on Nov 29.
Zhuang said that Xiamen was one of the first cities and special economic zones in China to implement reform and opening-up policies.
Xiamen has paid particular attention to innovative and high-quality development over the past few years and the city boasts complete infrastructure, close international exchanges and a pleasant environment.
The mayor promised to advance the city's cooperation with BRI countries on investment, trade, tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) industries under the guidance of the BRI.
Leonidas Rokanas, head of the delegation and ambassador of Greece to China, thanked Zhuang for his detailed introduction.
Rokanas agreed that Xiamen is a model city for China's reform and opening-up policies.
Greece, together with other BRI countries, expects to expand cooperation with Xiamen in the port, marine and tourism industries, he said.
As a prelude to the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, to be held in China in 2019, diplomatic officers from BRI countries were invited by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to visit Chinese cities along the Maritime Silk Road.
Diplomatic officers from 14 BRI countries pose for a group photo with directors of local government departments. [Photo/fo.xm.gov.cn]
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.
