A delegation headed by Zhao Yuncheng, director of the Department of Industries of China's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), paid a visit to Pingtan, Fujian province, on March 15 to investigate the development of emerging industries in the island city.

The group carried out site visits to several facilities in Pingtan during their trip, including the New Silk Road Cross-border Trading Center, Haixia High-speed Roll-on/off Wharf and Taiwan Aoqian Town (previously known as Pingtan-Taiwan Commodity Duty-free Market).

The visitors were particularly impressed by the dazzling array of imported goods on show at the New Silk Road Cross-border Trading Center, as well as the center's local preferential duty-free policy and unique procurement system that enables shoppers to buy international goods at relatively reasonable prices.

"Pingtan should give a full play to its advantages, giving a further impetus to its cross-border trade," Zhao commented at the conclusion of the visit.

Zhao was also curious about the frequency and routes of the high-speed passenger ferries that shuttle between Pingtan and Taiwan every day while visiting the Haixia High-speed Roll-on/off Wharf.

The director also gave high acclaim to Pingtan's move to make it easy for Taiwan-licensed cars to run on the mainland through issuing temporary credentials.

The New Silk Road Cross-border trading Center in Pingtan, Fujian province [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]