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Beihai promotes marine economy with Leeward Islands

(en.gxzf.gov.cn)

Updated: 2019-08-20

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On Aug 16, the city of Beihai, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and Leeward Islands, French Polynesia sign a contract in Beihai to formally establish a sister city relationship. [Photo by Chen Qiuxia/chinanews.com]

Beihai, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region formally established a sister city relationship with Leeward Islands, French Polynesia on Aug 16 to promote economic and trade exchanges, as well as cultural communication, especially cooperation and development in marine economy.

Leeward Islands are one of the five administrative regions of French Polynesia. China and French Polynesia have a long history of exchanges that can date back to the 19th century when Chinese people settled in Tahiti. After the Chinese government opened French Polynesia as an outbound tourist destination for Chinese citizens in 2008, a large number of Chinese tourists have driven the local social and economic development, promoting exchanges between the two sides.

Liu Xiang, deputy mayor of Beihai, said at the signing ceremony that the two sides have many similarities in terms of ecological environment, natural resources, and industrial development.

The Beihai Sea is the main pearl trading market in China and French Polynesia is the origin of Tahitian pearls. Leeward Islands have great potential in pearl farming and can further strengthen cooperation with Beihai in developing the pearl industry.

Cyril Tetuanui, chairman of Leeward Islands, noted that Leeward Islands are willing to share tourism resources with Beihai to improve the local economy on both sides. He also said that as the second largest yacht base in French Polynesia, Leeward Islands hope to share some successful experiences with Beihai, which is building a cruise port economy. Leeward Islands also hope to attract Chinese investors to help develop the tourism industry and expand the yacht base.