Enhancing connectivity

"Fuzhou and Tacoma are boosting trade through their ports to enhance connectivity. We are also collaborating on developing intelligent and eco-friendly ports to improve ports' competitiveness together," said Wu.

As this year marks the 30th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Fuzhou and Tacoma, Wu expressed anticipation for deepening the traditional friendship and expanding exchanges and cooperation across various fields with Tacoma.

According to Wu, Fuzhou intends to utilize current sister-school partnerships to introduce more youth talent and student exchange programs, fostering new advocates for the cities' friendship. The two cities also plan to boost collaboration in cross-border e-commerce, expanding markets for specialty items like jasmine tea and nuts.

"Amity between peoples holds the key to the relationship between countries. The interactions between the two cities will also facilitate economic and trade exchanges, establishing a foundation and providing impetus for the healthy, stable, and sustainable development of China-US relations," Wu said.

Yang Jie in Fuzhou contributed to this story.