IE Singapore organises mission to China's Xiamen, Fuzhou

International Enterprise (IE) Singapore is organising a mission to Xiamen and Fuzhou in China to help Singapore-based companies seek business opportunities there.

The mission is held in conjunction with Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong's five-day visit to Fujian province, which starts on Monday.

Besides IE Singapore officials, the 16-strong delegation comprises representatives from 13 companies of various industries, including real estate, food processing and tourism.

The move follows a recent announcement by the Chinese government to transform Fujian into an economic hub that connects the economic powerhouses of the Pearl River Delta and the Yangtze River Delta.

In 2008, Singapore's actual foreign direct investment in Fujian amounted to US$366 million in 37 projects.

In the same year, Singapore was Fujian's fourth largest foreign investor and the top investor among Southeast Asian countries.

Impression Fuzhou--------New Travel Program initiated

It is said that Fujian Province will join together with travel authorities of both mainland China and Taiwan to start a new program to attract more mainland tourists to visit Taiwan via Fujian,which is separated with Taiwan by the Taiwan Straights. This actions is seen as another program to better the relationship between mainland China and Taiwan Authority through a closer economical tie.

Reports from People's Daily,one of the most important media in China,said that Fujian Provincial Tourism Bureau has sent a proposal to the tourism bureaus of 25 Chinese provinces which have been allowed to provide services to Taiwan,suggesting these provinces to join in the program claiming to organize at least one million mainland tourists to the largest island of China.FPTB says it will work with provincial travel companies and tourism professionals from Taiwan to organize three groups this year to promote the program in other Chinese provinces.

In recent years, Fujian province has been actively cooperating with the Taiwanese tourism industry and has achieved remarkable results. Statistics from FPTB shows that in the first quarter of this year, more than 10,000 mainland tourists visited Taiwan via Fujian, and by the end of March 2009, over 71,000 Fujian residents had visited Jinmen, Mazu, or Penghu and more than 12,000 Fujian residents had visited Taiwan Island.

These actions in fact are benefiting the Island especially in the economic woe.Taiwan needs much more money from the mainland,although they've enjoyed much Favorable Balance against the mainland these years. But people are worrying that a closer dependence on mainland China might decrease the independence of Taiwan.Mainland

Live Fuzhou------a great city you'll definitely love!

Fuzhou,the capital of Fujian Province,which faces Taiwan and is a very important tie to Taiwan. Fuzhou is a city with a character 福（Fu),which means happiness in Chinese.So it is also called the City of Happiness.Fuzhou is an old city and people built at least 2000 years ago. This city has many banyan trees beside its old streets. So people give Fuzhou another nickname-------榕城,which means the city of banyan trees.Fuzhou is a city of heroes. One of the most famous in history is Lin zexu. Who was the leader of Anti-doping battle in Qing dynasty in the 19th century.He's also recognized as the first man in then China to get a peer of the western world.

Fuzhou is also famous for its beautiful scenery.Here you can find as many mountains as you like. When you come here and have a look in all directions,you'll find that it's a city of mountains. Many people who live in Japan,the US,the UK and other overseas countries come from Fuzhou.So it's also the city of overseas Chinese.

Food is also a great feature of this city.There are many kinds of dishes which you couldn't find anywhere else.One of the most famous dish is Fishballs. People like to order this special and delicious dish when the come to Fuzhou.You might have a try when you come here!

Original Fuzhou people like speak its original dialect. This language has not got its characters,like many dialects in China. But don't worry,if you don't speak the dialect,you could get many volunteers for a free travel guide in this city.Fuzhou is a city of buddhism. There are many famous and old temples in this city,like Temple Xican(Xican Si).Visitors love these beautiful and quiet places.There are lots for overseas visitors coming to this city!