A memorandum on establishing a friendly exchange relationship between Futian District and Italy's Apulia region was signed by Gao Shengyuan, head of the Futian District Government, and Apulia's minister of tourism and culture on July 19, elevating bilateral ties to a new level.

With the Futian District Government devoted to turning the district into a first-class international modern urban area, efforts have been made to enhance international exchanges by creating friendly exchange relationships with counterparts in foreign countries.

The Foreign Affairs Office of the Futian District Government has been developing friendly ties with the Apulia region since April last year, and has built a solid relationship by promoting exchanges and cooperation in technology, the cultural industry and other projects.

Apulia is a large region in southern Italy with an area of 19,358 square kilometers and a population of 4.06 million. The capital city, Bari, is an important cultural center in the region.

Futian has entered into friendly exchange relationships with six foreign cities or regions. There are now 26 Italian-invested enterprises in Futian, with total investments exceeding 56.80 million yuan ($8.47 million). Twelve of the Italian enterprises are engaged in foreign trade.

(HK Edition 09/21/2018 page8)