Russian delegation seeks co-op with Xiamen

Zhang Yigong, deputy mayor of Xiamen, meets with Vladimir Timofeev, deputy head of the Republic of Karelia on March 27. [Photo/fo.xm.gov.cn]

A Russian delegation headed by Vladimir Timofeev, deputy head of the Republic of Karelia, visited Xiamen, Fujian province from March 26 to 27 to discuss participation in the 2019 China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT).

Zhang Yigong, deputy mayor of Xiamen, met the Russian delegation on March 27.

Zhang said that CIFIT is the largest two-way investment expo in China and noted that authoritative investment information and investment trend reports are released at the fair.

CIFIT offers a perfect opportunity for Karelia to showcase its strong potential in economic, cultural and tourist development as it seeks to attract investors, noted the deputy mayor.

Zhang also expressed hope that, under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, Xiamen and the Republic of Karelia will strengthen cooperation in trade, tourism, investment and culture.

Timofeev introduced Karelia's society, economy and culture and expressed his desire to strengthen exchange with Xiamen. He welcomed more Chinese companies to invest in Karelia.

During their stay in the city, the Karelian delegation visited the Xiamen Convention and Exhibition Bureau and confirmed its participation in the 2019 CIFIT.

In addition to its special booths, the Karelian delegation plans to showcase its traditional woodcarving techniques, Russian food and symphony orchestra performances during the 2019 CIFIT.

Fujian established sister province/state relations with the Republic of Karelia in late 2017, and since then Timofeev has visited Xiamen three times to promote cooperation between the two regions.

CIFIT takes place in Xiamen every September. The fair focuses on investment negotiation and investment policy promotion on a national and international scale, and promotes the development of the national and regional economies in China as well as economic and trade exchange across the Taiwan Strait.

In 2018, the fair facilitated the signing of 1,982 investment projects worth 527.5 billion yuan ($78.59 billion) and drew the attendance of more than 120,000 representatives from 1,005 industrial and commercial associations. Nearly 5,000 companies representing 128 countries and regions also attended.