The mayor of the small New Zealand city of Nelson led a delegation to Yantai in Shandong province on April 14. The delegation, headed by Rachel Reese, was warmly received by fellow mayor, Meng Fanli, of Yantai.

During the meeting, Meng gave a briefing of Yantai's economic and social development. He noted that as one of the first 14 coastal cities in China to open up to the outside world, Yantai features a healthy ecological environment, abundant economic potential and a profound cultural background. Yantai is hoping to capitalize on the strategic opportunities provided by the Belt and Road Initiative to attract more foreign investment. The Belt and Road Initiative is China's ambitious trans-Eurasia and across-ocean trade strategy.

Nelson also benefits from bountiful maritime resources. Meng voiced his hope to strengthen exchanges between the two cities in the fields of education, the marine industry and agriculture to achieve win-win progress.

Rachel Reese appreciated the achievements of Yantai and extended willingness to seek more cooperation opportunities with Yantai.

Edited by Jacob Hooson