Anhui province is set to host the ‘Expo Central China,’ next month from May 17 to 19 this year, 2017 in Heifei. This was announced as the Province made a grand launch to the world through the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the theme, ‘An Open China: Splendid Anhui Welcoming The World,’ in Beijing.
Anhui, home of Lao Tzu, a famous Chinese philosopher, and hometown of China’s Premier Li Keqiang, Anhui’s theme is said to signify harmony, best wishes and tranquility. Not only was it a platform to talk about the Province’s technology, but also an avenue to display its abundant business and tourism potentials.
With a population of 70 million in an area of 40,000 Square kilometres, Anhui is home to the popular Yangtze River. An innovative area, Anhui produced the world’s thinnest information display touch screen. It developed the first Artificial Intelligence interactive robot in China. China’s rural modern reform started from Anhui, also known as one of the main bread baskets of China, the country’s household appliances and many other products.
A Province also known as an area of tea production, the popular Qimen black tea is exported to Europe and America. Moreover, the widely eaten Tofu originated from Anhui.
Anhui boasts of more than 100 colleges and universities. Over 500 overseas enterprises have invested in Anhui. With seven airports and leading density of highways in China, it has attracted businesses from far and near. “Anhui represents beauty of China,” Governor of the People’s government, Anhui, Li Guoying said.
Present at the august occasion, China’s foreign Minister, Wang Yi disclosed that Anhui was the home of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism and these practices have left an indelible mark on the province. Wang added that the people of Anhui have a trail blazing spirit, and over 40 years ago household appliances had originated from Anhui.
“A large amount of business from Anhui have gone global….There are ten famous types of tea in China, four from Anhui. The Qimen black tea won the gold medal prize in Panama. I hope that after today you will go and look for yourselves,” he urged during his presentation.
Meanwhile, the Party Secretary of Anhui Province, Li Jibin, commending the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in his speech noted, “With a long history and splendid culture, Anhui has been reforming innovation and opening up. Anhui has become a member of the global village. This event is an important move of Anhui to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative.”
He further revealed that Anhui Province had established business connections with 220 countries, 87 foreign provinces and states in other countries.
“We will develop ourselves into a tourism centre,” he said.
Anhui’s intention is to expand its circle of international friends. The Governor of the People’s Government of Anhui, Li Guoying, pointed out, “This is a beautiful and magical land with elegant and splendid natural scenary, time honoured culture and history.” Home to the fifth largest freshwater lake in China, the governor equally disclosed that the famous Yellow Mountain, a World Heritage Site, is located in Anhui, and is an important representative of the beauty of China. In addition, the province is famous for Chinese traditional medicine plants. Anhui presently has 109 universities, and 23 national laboratories.
According to reports gathered, the first made in China CD player, air conditioner and computer originated from Anhui. With over 6000km of river passage and 11 national first and second class ports, the Province values the liberalisation of trade.