The 2024 RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) Local Government and Sister Cities Cooperation Forum is held in Huangshan and Hefei from June 20 to 23. This event, themed "Regional Cooperation for Joint Development", contributes to the continuous enhancement of economic, cultural, and tourism exchanges between Huangshan and sister cities in RCEP countries.
The forum features dialogues on cultural tourism and education cooperation between sister cities in RCEP member countries, with discussions on the emerging industries and economic and trade meetings held in Hefei to enhance cooperation with RCEP member local governments.
The sun rises above the cloud sea in Huangshan Mountain, Huangshan, Anhui province. [Photo/Huangshan Daily]
Huangshan has a rich history of fostering international friendships. Back to 1997, the city hosted the first China-ASEAN Senior Officials' Consultation. The city has also received important guests including Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn and the member of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, with its international influence and recognition growing each time.
The city has also established friendships with a slew of cities in RCEP signatory countries such as Fujiidera, Japan; and Dong District, Daegu Metropolitan City of South Korea; Siem Reap, Cambodia; Chiyoda, Japan; and Laoag, the Philippines.
Huangshan Mountain Scenic Area, the marquee attraction of the city, has also formed bonds with other international tourism areas including Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Mountain Kinabalu in Malaysia, promoting cultural and tourism cooperation.
The thriving tourism interaction increases visitors to Huangshan in airspace. A direct Bangkok-Huangshan flight route was launched by Thai Lion Air in April, while Huangshan Airport has resumed international flights to Seoul, Hanoi, Manila, and Hong Kong.
The number of international visitors to Huangshan increases. [Photo/Huangshan Daily]
Enterprises in Huangshan, benefiting from the FTA agreement that accounts for about 2.2 billion people and 30 percent of global GDP ($29.7 trillion), are increasingly engaged in bilateral trade with RCEP member countries. In 2023, the city's foreign trade with these countries reached a threshold of nearly 500 million yuan ($68.86 million). From January to May in 2024, customs authorities in Huangshan issued 260 RCEP certificates of origin, involving a trade value of 81.48 million yuan.
Business communities in Huangshan and other RCEP nations benefit from the agreement as trade grows. [Photo/Huangshan Daily]
Huangshan is committed to deepening cooperation with RCEP member countries as the city explores new innovations and elevates its cultural and tourism industries, contributing to a prosperous and interconnected regional community.