Cai Zhansheng, mayor of Quanzhou and a national legislator. [Photo/cn.chinadaily.com.cn]

During the recent national two sessions, Cai Zhansheng, mayor of Quanzhou and a national legislator, addressed inquiries regarding Quanzhou's proactive engagement with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as well as strategies to bolster the cultural and tourism industry.

Cai emphasized that since the inception of the BRI, Quanzhou has positioned itself as a pilot zone for the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road. Leveraging its unique advantages in terms of historical and cultural heritage and industrial development, the city has actively contributed to Belt and Road cooperation and the development of Fujian into the core area of the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road.

To establish itself as a key city along the Maritime Silk Road, Quanzhou has prioritized the high-quality development of its shipping industry, focusing on enhancing port throughput capacity and maritime network support capabilities.

In addition, Quanzhou is actively aligning with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and concentrating on promoting high-quality products abroad, while also strengthening new business models such as cross-border e-commerce.

In recent years, Quanzhou has strived to become the most vibrant tourist city in China and a unique cultural tourism destination along the Maritime Silk Road. In 2023, the city welcomed over 86 million visitors, a 54-percent year-on-year increase.

As a World Heritage city, Quanzhou focuses on two key aspects: comprehensive protection of cultural heritage and the promotion of cultural relics through forums, exhibitions, and educational activities.

In promoting the in-depth integration of culture and tourism, Quanzhou is enhancing the quality of tourism in various counties, continuously improving supporting services, regularizing performances and events, and vigorously promoting the film and television industry.