Xiamen, Germany to strengthen ties

Chen Qiuxiong, deputy secretary of the Xiamen municipal Party committee, meets with Martin Fleischer, consul general of the German consulate in Guangzhou, in Xiamen, Fujian province on Sept 30. [Photo/xmfo.gov.cn]

Martin Fleischer, consul general of German consulate in Guangzhou, said he would make efforts to strengthen ties between Xiamen and Germany during his visit to the coastal city in Fujian province on Sept 30.

The recent appointee said that Xiamen was the first Chinese city he had visited since he took office. The city's beautiful scenery and highly developed infrastructure had made a deep impression on him, he added. 

Germany has long had friendly relations with China and considers the country an important trade partner, according to Fleischer. He said he hoped the two sides could strengthen their relations and expand their exchanges still further.

Chen Qiuxiong, deputy secretary of the Xiamen municipal Party committee, extended a warm welcome to Fleischer before briefing the consul general on his city's economic and social development.

Designated as one of China's first special economic zones, Xiamen has established a well-developed water, road, rail and air transport network, according to Chen. 

The city has established friendships with more than 200 countries and regions around the world, and it is ranked the fifth most competitive trading city in China, Chen said.

Besides economic development, Xiamen also attaches great importance to ecological protection, people's well-being and preserving its traditional culture. For example, the city allocates 70 percent of its fiscal revenues to the improvement of people's livelihoods, according to Chen.

In 2010, Xiamen established sister city ties with the German city of Trier. The two cities plan to build a Xiamen Park in Trier.

In recent years, Xiamen and Germany have maintained stable economic and trade ties. The trade volume between Xiamen and Germany reached 14.9 billion yuan ($2.3 billion) in 2016. Xiamen is also home to 90 German-funded projects.

Chen said Xiamen is focusing on establishing a modern industrial system featuring advanced manufacturing and high-end service industries. Germany is experienced in developing intelligent manufacturing, Chen said, expressing his eagerness to learn from Germany and expand exchanges with Germany in the manufacturing sector.

During his stay in Xiamen, Fleischer also visited Gulangyu Island and the Xiamen planning exhibition hall. He also attended an evening gala organized by the Xiamen foreign and overseas affairs office for diplomats in Xiamen.

Martin Fleischer, consul general of German consulate in Guangzhou, visits the Xiamen planning exhibition hall on Sept 30. [Photo/xmfo.gov.cn]