The coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province, held an activity in Hong Kong on Oct 31 to further promote mutual exchanges and cooperation between the two cities after its super trimaran Qingdao China arrived at the famous Victoria Harbor a day ago, the third port of call on its global journey.

The Qingdao delegation gives super trimaran models as gifts to the supporting organizations in Hong Kong. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Duan Maoyang, deputy director of the Qingdao sports bureau, gave a speech themed "Sailing with Blue Dream, Sailing on Silk Road" at the activity. He said that in the context of the “Belt and Road” initiative, the journey is a constructive campaign to portray and promote Qingdao as the "Sailing City" of China and to develop it into a leading city of the blue economy.

He also commended Hong Kong as a place of strategic importance along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and an important hub of marine transportation between China and the South Asian countries. He said both sides would hopefully deepen the cooperation, especially in sailing sport.

In order to extend gratitude to supporting organizations in Hong Kong, the Qingdao delegation gave the super trimaran models as gifts to the liaison office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong, the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, Henry Fok Ying Tung Group Company Limited and The Hong Kong Sea School.

The Qingdao delegation poses for a group photo with Hong Kong guests. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The super trimaran Qingdao China departed from Qingdao, the home port, on Oct 21, and is planned to call at nine cities, namely, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mirissa in Sri Lanka, Mumbai in India, Alexandria in Egypt, Genoa in Italy and Monaco. The event aims to encourage non-governmental exchanges on sports, tourism, culture, trade, and overseas Chinese affairs, promote Qingdao’s image in an all-round manner, and showcase the unique charm of Qingdao as the "Sailing City". It involves such activities as press conferences, welcoming/sailing ceremonies, city brand promotions and on-board experience.