A delegation of government officials, economists and academics from Indonesia visited Xiamen on the invitation of the Chinese embassy in Indonesia on Oct 24-28, as the two sides look to strengthen cooperation on the marine economy.
The Indonesian delegation were impressed by Xiamen’s achievements in the maritime sector, visiting the city’s fishery department and cruise port, as well as important local research and educational facilities, ship building enterprises, and natural parks during their visit.
The guests were also introduced to Xiamen’s effective policies in boosting the marine economy and protecting marine ecosystems during the visit, while the two sides took the opportunity to exchange ideas on integrated marine management, coastal tourism, aquiculture and dredging.
The active role played by the Third Institute of Oceanography of China’s State Oceanic Administration in the marketization of research findings intrigued the delegates. They expressed the hope that they will be able to increase exchanges with the Xiamen institute.
The delegation also met with researchers and Indonesian students at the Coastal and Ocean Management Institute at Xiamen University for talks on marine economy planning and the influence China’s Belt and Road Initiative is having on Southeast Asian countries.
Officials from Xiamen Ocean Vocational College shared their experience in curriculum setting and career guidance with the visitors, as Indonesia is planning to establish a university to foster talent in oceanography and marine science.
The delegates also visited the Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co, which delivers products to Europe, America and Southeast Asia, and learned about the company’s localized production model and the policy supports it enjoys.
The action-packed tour also included visits to the Dongdu cruise port, the yacht dock and wetland park at Wuyuan Bay, the famous tourism site Gulangyu Island and the historical cultural village Zengcuoan to experience the harmonious coexistence of economic growth and the natural maritime environment in the coastal city.
The World Ocean Week hosted in Xiamen was also introduced to the guests as a platform for bringing together policy makers, researchers and enterprises engaged in the development of new maritime technologies. The event kicked off on November 4.
Bilateral maritime cooperation between China and Indonesia has been on the rise since the two sides pledged to deepen comprehensive strategic cooperation in a joint statement issued after Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s in-depth talks with President Xi Jinping during his state visit to China in March 2015.
Both China and Indonesia have made great efforts to develop the marine economy in recent years, with Chinese President Xi Jinping proposing the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative in 2013, while his Indonesian counterpart put forward the Strategy of the Global Maritime Fulcrum in 2014.
Indonesian visitors at the APEC Marine Sustainable Development Center in Xiamen, Fujian province. [Photo provided to 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.
