Xiamen holds gala to boost its profile among diplomats

The coastal city of Xiamen in Fujian province held the 2017 Mid-Autumn Festival Evening Gala on Sept 30 to entertain the community of foreign diplomats based in Xiamen and promote the city's profile.

Around 50 diplomats and their families were invited to the gala.

Chen Qiuxiong, deputy secretary of the Xiamen municipal Party committee, attended the gala and held talks with several diplomats.

Chen briefed the attendees on his city's achievements in strengthening ties with other countries and regions.

According to Chen, the consulates general of the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand have maintained close ties with Xiamen. 

The deputy secretary also expressed his gratitude to the three consulates general for their contribution to the success of the BRICS Summit held in Xiamen in early September.

Chen said that, as a strategic part of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Xiamen is embracing an important development opportunity. He vowed that the city would continue to explore more cooperation opportunities with countries involved in China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Chi Chiew Sum, consul-general of the Republic of Singapore in Xiamen, agreed with Chen, saying that Singapore and Xiamen have conducted frequent exchanges in shipping, law and the construction of free trade zones.

Tajtai Tmangraksat, consul-general of the Thai Consulate General in Xiamen, spoke highly of Xiamen's investment potential. The outgoing diplomat said he would make efforts to make more people aware of the business opportunities in Xiamen after returning to Thailand.

After the meeting, the attendees enjoyed fantastic cultural performances organized by the Xiamen foreign and overseas affairs office.