The 19th Cross-Straits Fair for Economy and Trade attracted 380 exhibitors from economies along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. As well, 615 companies, business associations and institutions from Taiwan also staged exhibitions.

The fair was held in Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian province, from May 18 to 22. As one of the pivotal cities along China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the coastal city of Fuzhou has been focusing on technology-driven economic development.

Its new development zone, Binhai New City, will focus on the big data industry and the internet of things. Three major national projects – a healthcare big data center, a big data industrial park, and a virtual reality center - have settled in Fuzhou.

The Fuzhou fair also featured advanced technologies, especially with the Taiwan exhibitions. Inside a 58,000-square-meter exhibition space, Taiwan exhibitors showcased the province’s achievements in smart technology, including big data and the internet of things.

The Indonesian pavilion gave full exposure to the southeastern Asian country’s enchanting scenery and unique culture for the first time in the fair’s history. The country also hosted a special tourism promotion. Indonesia is looking to establish comprehensive cooperation with Fuzhou.

Thirty business associations involved in the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road signed deals for cooperation during the fair. The signing parties included AmCham South China, Nederlands Centrum voor Handelsbevordering (Dutch center for trade facilitation) and the Sri Lanka-China Friendship Association.

Taiwan-based DA.AI Technology Co showcases clothes, bags and suitcases made from recycled plastic bottles. [Photo/Fuzhou Evening News]

A Taiwan exhibitor promotes his soy sauce products at the cross-Straits trade fair, which are produced with traditional techniques and attracted a Canadian buyer to introduce them to North America. [Photo/Fuzhou Evening News]