The globally renowned think tank Globalization and World Cities Study Group and Network (GaWC) recently released the World Cities 2024, with Xiamen ranking 83rd, marking its first entry into the global top 100 after consistently rising in the rankings for 12 consecutive years.
The GaWC World Cities 2024 list assess cities based on various indicators, such as urban development level, comprehensive economic strength, influence and driving force, population, international connections, international transportation, and ability to attract foreign investment. The main focus is on measuring a city's position in the global network of high-end production services, with a strong emphasis on economic factors, particularly in the high-end service industry.
In recent years, Xiamen has accelerated the development of a "4+4+6" modern industrial system, with the industrial structure becoming more and more high-end. Advanced manufacturing and modern services have become important drivers of economic growth.
At the same time, Xiamen is working to coordinate economic development with the construction of an ecological civilization, promoting the harmonious coexistence of "mountains, seas, industries, cities, and people" in the region.
China has decided to extend its visa waiver policy to ordinary passport holders from Canada and the United Kingdom starting from Feb 17.
Forty-one new port-of-entry duty-free shops have been established nationwide, with Xiamen Xiang'an International Airport, Xiamen Wutong Passenger Wharf, and Xiamen International Cruise Center included on the list.
