The prosperous development of Xiamen city in east China’s Fujian province has left a deep impression on Xanana Gusmao, Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, who is seeking broader economic cooperation with Xiamen.

Gusmao said his trip to Xiamen on April 13 was to learn about development from Xiamen, which is one of China’s five special economic zones (SEZ), and explore technical cooperation on the reviving of the Maritime Silk Road.

Wang Menghui, Secretary of CPC Xiamen Municipal Committee, briefed Gusmao on Xiamen’s SEZ construction experiences, saying it had been playing a trailblazing role in invigorating the economy and connecting cross-Straits communications, since China’s reform and opening-up policy more than three decades ago. He added that Xiamen is looking forward to economic and trade collaboration with Timor-Leste in the future.

Xiamen set up a great example of a market-oriented SEZ for Timor-Leste, commented Gusmao, adding that he has got a better understanding of the function of an SEZ.

Gusmao also revealed that he was seeking technical cooperation with Xiamen on cultivating the Maritime Silk Road.

It’s known that Fujian and Timor-Leste have a long history of communications. In ancient times, Fuzhou, Zhangzhou and Quanzhou were the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road, where Timor-Leste served as a pivotal stop.

“Before the Chinese merchants traded silk for local spices along the Silk Road by land. Today hopefully we can enhance cooperation on other aspects through the Maritime Silk Road,” he said.

Gusmao is on a state visit to China to attend the Bo’ao Forum in Hainan province from April 6 to 14. According to published arrangements, he will pay visits to Fujian and Xiamen in Fujian province from April 12 to 14 to inspect economic and social development, construction progress of special economic zones, the fisheries industry as well as aquatic product trading.