A China-ASEAN forum aimed at promoting cooperation among cities involved in the cruise industry took place in Xiamen, Fujian province, on Dec 16. The Xiamen International Exhibition Center Hotel hosted the event.
Prominent government leaders and ambassadors were among those in attendance at the forum, including Zheng Lansun, vice chairman of the Political Consultative Conference of the Fujian provincial government; Thit Linn Ohn, the Maos Ambassador to China; Tajtai Tmangraksat, Thai consul general in Xiamen; and Ni Chao, deputy mayor of Xiamen.
While delivering a speech at the opening ceremony, Zheng Lanshun noted that China is a close partner of ASEAN countries and has initiated frequent exchanges and cooperative ties in the 24 years since the establishment of friendly relations. He added that Fujian province has played an important role facilitating cooperation between China and Southeast Asian nations.
Fujian is considered a core area of the 21st maritime Silk Road and its infrastructure has been bolstered in recent years to facilitate the development of cruise industry.
Xiamen was named as a demonstration city of cruise transportation by the central government in 2014. The city has since acted as a major cruise departure port in China's southeast coastal area, opening up cooperation opportunities between Fujian province and ASEAN countries.
Zheng hoped the forum would stimulate the development of the cruise industry by encouraging exchanges and cooperative agreements. The overall aim of the forum was to develop maritime tourism ties between China and ASEAN countries.
The forum is supported by the governments of Fujian and Xiamen, the Fujian Travel Bureau and the Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the Xiamen Municipal government.
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.
