Han Jingyi, vice-mayor of Xiamen, East China's Fujian province, met with Arthayudh Srisamoot, Thailand's ambassador to China, in Xiamen on Jan 20.
Han extended a warm welcome to the Thai ambassador on behalf of the Xiamen Municipal Government and briefed him on the city's economic and social development.
He said that Xiamen and Thailand have a long history of friendly relations and in recent years, the two places have made progress in carrying out friendly exchange and practical cooperation in trade, tourism, culture, and education.
Han added that Xiamen would aim to promote development by attracting more investment and focusing on creating 12 industrial chains worth 100 billion yuan ($14.28 billion).
The vice-mayor expressed hope that he could work with the Thai embassy in China and the Thai consulate general in Xiamen to improve cooperation by taking advantage of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Srisamoot spoke highly of Xiamen's rapid economic development and beautiful natural environment and thanked the local municipal government for the support it has offered the Thai consulate general in the city since its establishment 15 years ago.
He expressed a desire to promote further cooperation between Xiamen, Phuket, and Pattaya, increase interactions between people from Xiamen and Thailand, and use Xiamen-Europe trains to export more Thai agricultural produce to European countries.
The Thai ambassador also hoped hi-tech companies in Xiamen would invest more in Thailand in the future.
Han Jingyi (R), vice-mayor of Xiamen, East China's Fujian province, meets with Arthayudh Srisamoot, Thailand's ambassador to China, in Xiamen on Jan 20. [Photo/fao.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.
