A large business matchmaking event in Pingtan, Fujian province on Aug 16 saw signings of 76 cooperative projects worth 173.6 billion yuan ($27 billion), local news portal ptnet.cn reports.

The event highlighted Pingtan’s favorable status as an experimental zone for cross-Straits cooperation and part of the Fujian free trade pilot zone, and made clear its goal of building an international tourist destination.

The signed deals range from high-tech industry, modern service, cultural creativity, tourism, ocean industry and infrastructure.

Nearly 500 representatives from domestic and foreign enterprises attended the event, and 66 of them inked deals at the site, attesting to their confidence in Pingtan’s future.

“Pingtan has scientific and rational development goals, with the biggest advantage in cross-Straits cooperation. I think it can also explore other fields such as sightseeing, tourism, medication and service for elderly people,” said Wang Zhigang, top counselor for the China Trust Bank.

Ren Huishu, deputy manager of the China Huadian Corporation, said it plans to increase investment in Pingtan by launching energy projects as soon as possible.

Representatives from famous enterprises attend a signing ceremony for cooperative projects with Pingtan, Fujian province, Aug 16. [Photo/ptnet.cn]