On September 11, Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (SPAFFC), Shanghai Association of International Service Trade (SAIST) and Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) held a business and cultural event with the name of Sail of Shanghai- Exhibition of Economic and Culture Cooperation in Tallinn, Estonia. Sixty-three companies from Shanghai participated in the event. Chinese Ambassador to Estonia Mr. Qu Zhe, Chairwoman of Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress Standing Committee Mme. Yin Yicui, Deputy Secretary General of Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications Mr. Vilja Lubi and Acting Mayor of Tallinn Mr. Taavi Aas opened the event.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Qu Zhe gave an overview on the recent development of Chinese economy and efforts made by the Chinese Government to develop a friendly business environment for domestic and foreign companies. “The Chinese Government has taken bold measures to cut red tapes. We will further ease market access in service and manufacturing sectors and relax foreign equity caps in some areas of interest. A Chinese economy, which enjoys a sound momentum and becomes increasingly open, will remain the most attractive investment destination,” said Ambassador Qu. He said both Chinese and Estonian governments are working closely to promote win-win cooperation, both at bilateral level and within the format of China and Central and Eastern European Countries Cooperation. The Ambassador was pleased that business communities from both countries are more interested in doing business with each other. He also shared some of his observations with Chinese and Estonian business representatives and encouraged companies make more effort in networking to develop practical cooperation for mutual benefit.

The Chairwoman of Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress Standing Committee Mme. Yin Yicui presented the development of Shanghai in recent years. “Being the largest economic center in China, Shanghai is working on the goal of developing into an economic, financial, trade and shipping center of the world. We welcome Estonian companies to participate in the development of the Shanghai free trade zone and the center of science and innovation,” said Mme Yin.

Deputy Secretary General of Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications Mr. Vilja Lubi said the Estonian Government attaches great importance to promote trade relations with other countries and is ready to strengthen economic and trade relations with China. The acting Mayor of Tallinn Mr. Taavi Aas gave an overview of the economic development of Tallinn as well as the strength of different sectors. He hoped that companies from Tallinn and Shanghai will build partnership for successful cooperation.

During the event, the organizers also held a technology and innovation forum and a business and investment forum. In addition to business programs, cultural exchange programs were also part of the whole event. Shanghai Library signed a MOU with Estonian National Library for a joint project called “Window of Shanghai”. Artists from Shanghai performed Fengxiang rolling lights and Yue Opera. Students from Shanghai Xiangming Middle School had a friendly basketball match with their peers from Tallinn German Secondary School. Shanghai Luwan Middle School Orchestra also visited a local school in Tallinn and gave a concert.