A delegation of 45 business association representatives from Belt and Road countries embarked on a visit to Taizhou, East China's Zhejiang province on June 11.

Chen Yijun, Party chief of Taizhou, met the visiting guests, expressing hope that the trip would further cement economic and trade ties between Taizhou and BRI countries.

As a key spot along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Taizhou has been playing an active role in the construction of the national strategy.

According to Chen, in 2018, Taizhou's trade volume with BRI countries recorded 50.1 billion yuan ($7.47 billion), an increase of 9.1 percent year-on-year.

In the next few days, the delegation will carry out on-site trips to local companies in Taizhou in search of cooperation opportunities.

The Belt and Road Initiative, which refers to an ultra-modern land-and-sea project proposed by China in 2013, aims to boost trade links and infrastructure connectivity among Asia, Europe and Africa－a throwback to the ancient Silk Road routes. It comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

A delegation of 45 business association representatives from Belt and Road countries embarks on a visit to Taizhou, East China's Zhejiang province on June 11. [Photo/taizhou.com.cn]