The 6th Modern Agricultural Project Matching Conference is held in Fujian province. [Photo by Zhu Xingxin/China Daily Fujian Bureau]

While visiting the exhibition stands, Legesse Geremew told the China Daily that this was the greatest exhibition that he had ever visited. Geremew comes from the Ethiopia Consulate General in Guangzhou, and he was invited to Fuzhou by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

As the Cross-Straits Fair for Economy and Trade raised its curtain in Fuzhou on May 18, foreign officials and entrepreneurs were attracted to seek business opportunities in the Western Taiwan Straits Economic Zone. They are confident that favorable supportive policies and ever booming development in this region will bring more opportunities for economic and trade cooperation.

Geremew said that Ethiopia had rich natural resources, especially in the field of agriculture, such as soybeans and oil seeds. Agricultural goods account for about 90% of the country's total export volume.

He hoped that through his friendly connection with Fujian and promotion for trade, agricultural exports can be extended to Fujian province. The Ethiopia delegation also attempted to introduce agricultural technologies suitable for developing countries into his country. They even sent personnel to study fungus cultivation technology at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University. He is also very excited to have the opportunity to learn about all kinds of agricultural specialties from Taiwan.

Guests from other countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand were also interested in agricultural projects and attended the 6th Modern Agricultural Project Matching Conference, which is a high-level commercial event during the 5•18 fairs.

Nguyen Minh Quang, vice minister of the Agriculture Department in Vietnam, said that since the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area opened the zero-tariff era, there would be more room for cooperation between Fujian and Vietnam. He hopes that Chinese commodities such as tea and marine products and agricultural machineries and production lines can be imported to Vietnam, and that Vietnamese rubber and fruits can be introduced to China.