Chen Hui, chief of the Pingtan Quarantine and Inspection Bureau, was still in a lot of excitement when reminiscing about his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Nov 1.

Chen Hui, director of the Pingtan Quarantine and Inspection Bureau, talks about his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who made an inspection tour in the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone in Fujian province, Nov 1. [Photo/pingtan.gov.cn]

“He shook hands with me three times. I have clear memories of those scenes,” said Chen.

Xi took a whirlwind tour of the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone in Fujian province on Nov 1, inspecting Pingtan’s development and achievements in cross-Straits communications.

When learning that Taiwanese fruit can be on the shelves in Pingtan within half a day, Xi appeared to be interested and asked how customs and inspection authorities manage it.

Zhi Yilong, director of the Fujian Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, then explained in detail how the Taiwan-imported fruit was transported and went through a green customs clearance channel in Pingtan.

Xi also expressed concern about the construction of an inspection and quarantine center for animals and plants, which will serve as a platform for cross-Straits agricultural cooperation in future. He noted, “Pingtan is surrounded by sea, which gives it a geographic advantage. I hope you people can do fine with the inspection center.”

“President Xi shook hands with every front-line quarantine officer before he left. We were overwhelmingly thrilled at that moment,” said Chen Hui.

“Xi’s visit to Pingtan is a huge encouragement to us and stimulated our enthusiasm for our work in Pingtan’s opening development.”