Tourism, investment in India promoted in Zhoushan

Anil Kumar Rai, Indian Consul-General in Shanghai, is interviewed by local media in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province on March 25. [Photo/zhoushan.cn] 

A delegation led by Anil Kumar Rai, Indian Consul-General in Shanghai, held a promotional event in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province on March 25 to invite local residents and entrepreneurs to visit and invest in India. 

The event attracted more than 80 local business and tourism representatives to attend. 

Zhoushan enjoys close trade contact with India. According to statistics from Zhoushan's foreign affairs office, the city hit 800 million yuan ($120 million) in foreign trade with India last year, focusing mainly on oil, plastic machinery and aquatic products. Many local companies also have offices in India. 

The economic achievements of India in the past five years and the procedures for Zhoushan companies to invest in India were introduced at the meeting.

According to the Indian delegation, there are currently more than 4,700 projects worth $210 billion under construction in India, half of which come from foreign businesses. Zhoushan companies may enjoy several favorable policies if they decide to invest in the country.

In terms of tourism, India boasts a long history of culture and many famous tourist attractions, such as the Taj Mahal and Orchha. It also has 36 UNESCO world heritage sites. 

Statistics show that the number of visitors to the country increased by 20 percent in 2018 on a year-on-year basis. 

In another sign of closer Sino-India ties, India now provides electronic visa services to Chinese tourists.

An Indian folk dance is given at the promotional event for Indian tourism and investment in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province on March 25. [Photo/zhoushan.cn]