The 17th Cross-Straits Fair for Economy and Trade will spotlight China’s Maritime Silk Road strategy, the fair’s organizer said.

The 17th Cross-Straits Fair for Economy and Trade will support the country's Maritime Silk Road development. [Photo by Sun Li/China Daily]

A 21st Century Maritime Silk Road was proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to Indonesia last October. Since ancient times, the sea route from ports in Fujian to overseas markets has spurred trade for China's silk, ceramics and tea.

The 17th Cross-Straits Fair for Economy and Trade, which will be held on May 18 next year in Fuzhou, capital of Fujian province, will stage a variety of activities to facilitate the building of Fuzhou as a transport network and set up cooperation with Southeast Asian countries, said Pan Bangrui, the director of the event’s organizing committee office.

Held annually in Fuzhou, the fair has become an increasingly influential event for promoting investment between Taiwan and the Chinese mainland. It exhibits famous local products from Taiwan and offers a series of events to boost cooperation in the creative industry, equipment manufacturing and tourism.