Zhang Siqing, former vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and Li Dejin, Chen Changming and other officials visited Pingtan on Jan 1, with the aim of increasing their understanding of the island county's development. The group approved the local development plan, and suggested that Pingtan should improve its administrative system.

Li Dejin, Party committee secretary of the district and director of the administrative committee, gave a presentation about the local situation concerning issues such as construction.

He said Pingtan has been making great efforts to become a modern and smart city, and also plays a role - as a free port - in increasing cross-Straits communication. He also said that Pingtan wishes to create a favorable environment for communication and cooperation between both sides.

Zhang said that Pingtan's overall planning is impressive, and he also praised its development as a smart city.

He also suggested Pingtan to improve its administrative system in order to act as a firm foundation for Pingtan's further development.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Niva Whyman