A 20-strong delegation from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) paid a visit to Xiamen in mid-October.

The delegation - the first from Hong Kong to visit the Xiamen free trade area – was received by the Deputy Mayor of Xiamen, Ni Chao. The delegation was led by Clare Wong, the assistant executive director of HKTDC, and joined by officials from the commerce bureau of Xiamen.

The group first toured the Xiamen free trade area on Oct 15, where they met with local officials and business leaders. Hong Benzhu, deputy director of the city's commerce bureau, introduced the investment environment and business opportunities in Xiamen and spoke of the trade cooperation between the city and Maritime Silk Road nations.

Zhao Xiaobo, deputy director of the Xiamen free trade area administration, presented the advantages of the free trade area and its favorable policies. Some members of the delegation bought imported products at the FTZWO outlet at the Xiamen International Cruise Terminal, after learning of the free trade area's preferential policies and benefits to local consumers.

The delegation also visited the Xiamen Ocean Gate Container Terminal in Haicang district and the headquarters of Taikoo (Xiamen) Aircraft Engineering Co (HAECO Xiamen). The terminal is the first fully-automatic container port in China to use indigenously developed equipment. HAECO Xiamen is part of the HAECO Group that specializes in airframe services. The head of the company spoke highly of Xiamen's investment environment and government efficiency when meeting delegation members.