A business delegation from the consulates general of more than 10 countries and regions in Shanghai visited Zhoushan, in Zhejiang province, on Aug 6, to attend a three-day trade and economic matchmaking activity.

Hosted by the municipal government of Zhoushan and organized by the foreign affairs office in Zhoushan, the activity aimed to boost commerce between China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone in Zhoushan and foreign countries.

The delegation expressed its optimism that as a result there would be more business done with Zhoushan.

"I still remember the first time I came to Zhoushan 11 years ago. I was taking a ferry. And this time, I'm totally impressed with the changes in this city," said Vladimir Kocerha, economic and commercial counselor of Peru in Shanghai, saying that he was looking forward to future cooperation with Zhoushan.

According to Kocerha, Peru has enjoyed long partnership with China in the pelagic fishery and has been working with Zhoushan in this respect.

He said bilateral ties would certainly deepen in the future since Peru and Zhoushan are currently in negotiation to become sister cities.

Kim Jong Ho, chief representative and director of the Jeollanam-do Province Government China Office, brought some local seafood to Zhoushan and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the foreign affairs office of Zhoushan.

"We started cooperation with Zhoushan last year," Kim said. 

"We imported sea salt from Zhoushan and had it processed in the Zhoushan Port Free Trade Zone," he said, adding that he hoped to find trade partners and to do business with Zhoushan in seafood processing technology.

Officials said local Zhoushan companies were also seeking business opportunities in this area of activity.

Chen Jianhua, president of a local yacht building company, negotiated with representatives from Peru and Uruguay on the trade in environmentally friendly ships.

Chen said they have been tapping into overseas markets over the years, and that they didn't want to miss any opportunity.

Later that day, the delegation had a field trip to some of the city's main functional areas such as the Marine Industry Cluster Area, local seafood processer and marine drug manufacturer Hailisheng and an imported commodities center.

（News from Zhejiang, China）