Fujian Seeks Stronger Cooperation with Australian Capital Territory
The delegation of Liberal Party in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), headed by its leader Alistair Coe, visited Fuzhou and Xiamen from March 13 to 16.
On March 13, Huang Qiyu, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of Fujian Provincial People’s Congress met the delegation and gave a brief introduction of Fujian’s latest development and the Standing Committee of Fujian Provincial People’s Congress.
Huang said China and Australia are neighbors in the Asia Pacific and comprehensive strategic partners. A sound and steady China-Australia relationship meets the common interests of the two countries and peoples, and will provide an even broader scope for sub-national exchanges and cooperation. Highly complementary in tourism, healthcare, aged care, culture and education, Fujian and ACT enjoy huge potential for cooperation. He hoped that both parties could strengthen exchanges, learn from each other, and expand win-win cooperation.
Coe agreed with Huang and expressed his appreciation for China’s history, culture and values, in particular its family values and emphasis on education. Canberra is relatively young compared with Fujian. To reach a long-term cooperation, there must be strong personal relationship based on integrity and trust. He expected to strengthen the communication and exchanges between the two sides, discuss the possibility of direct flights, and advance the results-oriented cooperation in secondary and higher education, medical and aged care services, culture, and tourism.
On March 15, Chen Chen, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of Xiamen Municipal People's Congress met with the delegation and exchanged opinions on education, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
During their stay in Fujian, the delegation also visited Fuzhou Overseas Chinese Middle School, the Rehabilitation Hospital of the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, and Kulangsu, and held talks with Xiamen Airlines and Xiamen University. The delegation members were impressed by Fujian’s beautiful scenery, long history, good infrastructure and clean environment.
Founded in 1913, ACT (Canberra) is located between Sydney and Melbourne with nearly 400,000 people (around 5% are Chinese) and a per capita GDP of over RMB 400,000. As the seat of the federal government, Canberra is also home to many government organizations, foreign embassies, high commissions, and scientific and education institutions. It is reputed as the Bush Capital with a high forest coverage rate.
