People in Xiamen have come together to assist in recovery efforts following the destruction of typhoon Meranti, the strongest typhoon recorded worldwide so far this year.
As Meranti swept across the coastal city in southeast China,it caused severe damage to local businesses, destroying production facilities and equipment.
The deputy director of the Xiamen foreign and overseas affairs office, Shao Yuqin, learned about the current situation of the worst hit companies established by overseas Chinese, during field visits on Sept 19.
Xiamen Tasman Bio-Tech Co was one of the companies visited by the deputy director. As a dendrobium plantlet supplier, most parts of the company’s steel-structure greenhouses were able to withstand the tropical storm, but it still suffered damage to an area of around 6,500 square meters, resulting in estimated economic losses of up to 11 million yuan ($1.65 million).
Lu Shaoji, the board director of the company, returning from New Zealand, thanked the officials for their support, and said that the company would probably need around one month and a half to recover from the damage.
Shao Yuqin visits local businesses established by overseas Chinese that suffered damage from typhoon Meranti on Sept 19. [Photo from xmfo.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.
