Xiamen FTZ promotes development by boosting industrial chains

The Xiamen Area of the China (Fujian) Pilot Free Trade Zone in East China's Fujian province has actively responded to the national Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to promote the construction of key platforms and set up a complete industrial chain for its high-quality development, local news reported on April 15.

"Focusing on establishing a complete industrial chain for birds' nest products, the Xiamen FTZ has strengthened efforts to integrate industrial resources and boost industrial upgrading, aiming to achieve the healthy and sustainable development of the bird's nest industry," according to an official of the area.

Edible bird's nests, highly valued by Chinese consumers for their nutritional and other health benefits, are made up of solidified swiftlet saliva. Birds' nest products are local specialties in Southeast Asian countries involved in the BRI, and 90 percent of global birds' nest products are sold to Chinese markets.

As a key port city of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and the Silk Road Economic Belt, Xiamen is now a hub for processing edible bird's nests. The city has leveraged its unique advantages and set up an industrial park in the zone for the inspection, storage, and processing of imported bird's nests, enabling the rapid growth of the zone's edible bird's nest business.

Additionally, imported wine business in the zone witnessed sharp growth in recent years thanks to support from the local government.

Xiamen is the country's number-one port for importing beer and one of the country's largest distribution centers for imported wine. To better serve companies, the Xiamen FTZ started a pilot reform on declaration, which has greatly shortened the customs clearance process. A trading platform for wine display, cultural promotion, and product sales was established in the zone, facilitating the rapid growth of Xiamen's imported wine business.