1. XMFAO serves cross-island development
Lin Na, executive vice-president of the Xiamen Municipal People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, as well as officials from the American and Oceanian Affairs Division of the Foreign Affairs Office of Xiamen, Fujian province, visited the Aotou Marine Economic Development Demonstration Zone in Xiang'an district on Aug 19.
They looked around several art galleries and the history museum of Aotou village, aiming to learn about the village's efforts to promote rural revitalization, community governance, and the development of the cultural and creative industry and seeking ways to help with cross-island development and community internationalization.
The Aotou Marine Economic Development Demonstration Zone has fully used its marine resources to develop three pillar industries involving high-end technology, culture and tourism, and fishing.
It has also combined eastern and western art with rural culture and tourism to develop an international art community revolving around fine arts, delicacies, fishing ports, and fishermen's songs.
2. Singapore's 56th National Day celebrated in Xiamen
The Consulate General of Singapore in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province, held a reception on Aug 20 to celebrate the country's 56th National Day, as well as the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the consulate general.
Nelson Ng Chiun Ming, Singaporean consul general in Xiamen, delivered a speech at the reception. Liao Huasheng, vice-mayor of Xiamen, attended the event.
The consul general said that economic cooperation between Singapore and China has maintained robust growth in spite of the uncertainty in the global economy. China has been the largest trade partner of Singapore since 2013 and its investments in Singapore is still increasing.
Ng noted that his country and Fujian province have also maintained a long-term partnership in trade and investment, port operation, aircraft maintenance, city planning, as well as in the service, education and medical industries. Many Singaporean companies have been operating in Fujian for dozens of years.
"I hope that Singapore and Fujian can deepen their ties in digital economy, sustainable development and medical treatment to achieve mutual benefits," said Ng.
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.
