Hu Changsheng, secretary of the CPC Xiamen Municipal Committee, presents a gift to Lui Tuck Yew, Singapore's ambassador to China, at a meeting on Jan 12. [Photo/WeChat account: XIAMENFAO]
Lui Tuck Yew, Singapore's ambassador to China, visited Xiamen in East China's Fujian province, from Jan 8 to 12.
Hu Changsheng, secretary of the CPC Xiamen Municipal Committee, welcomed the ambassador and briefed him on Xiamen's economic and social development.
According to Hu, Xiamen achieved stable development in 2020 despite the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Given the long-standing ties between Xiamen and Singapore, Hu said he believes that there is ample room for both sides to strengthen cooperation in industry, commerce and culture.
"We will grasp the opportunity brought about by the Belt and Road Initiative and the construction of the BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution innovation center to deepen the partnerships in modern service industries, such as aviation, ports and finance, as well as sci-tech innovation and education," said Hu.
Lui, who was visiting Fujian and Xiamen for the first time since he assumed the position as Singapore's ambassador to China, said he was impressed by Xiamen's prosperity.
The ambassador also echoed Hu's sentiments about deeper bilateral cooperation, pointing out that Singapore is willing to encourage more companies to set up businesses and increase their investment in Xiamen.
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.
