In a recent exchange in Lanzhou, Hu Yan, Vice President of the Gansu Overseas Friendship Association and President of the Thailand-China Northwest Chamber of Commerce, highlighted how international cooperation is pivotal for Gansu’s growth. “By partnering with markets such as Thailand, Gansu is not only attracting more foreign investment but also gaining technical support, which is revitalizing our local economy, culture, and technology. This partnership accelerates Gansu’s internationalization and opens up new avenues for broader collaboration between Thailand and China,” she shared during an event on September 9.
That afternoon, the Gansu Overseas Friendship Association held its inaugural council meeting and investment promotion conference. Officials from the Gansu Provincial Department of Commerce provided an overview of the province and outlined investment incentives. Representatives from cities like Lanzhou, Zhangye, and Longnan presented a variety of projects, while five delegates from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan engaged in discussions to explore new opportunities along the Silk Road.
For years, Hu Yan has been dedicated to strengthening the relationship between Gansu and Thailand in sectors like traditional Chinese medicine, education, and agriculture. “As globalization picks up pace, the close ties between Gansu and overseas regions, particularly Thailand, will serve as a crucial driver for economic growth, cultural exchange, and technological advancement. This not only bolsters Gansu’s global standing but also establishes a solid foundation for mutual development across a diverse range of fields,” she observed. She also emphasized the role of the overseas Chinese community in promoting a win-win cooperation philosophy, acting as a bridge that nurtures multi-layered collaboration in this new era.
Gansu is acknowledged as a vital energy base in China, ranking high in renewable resources such as wind and solar energy. Tian Linzhi, Executive Vice President of the Gansu Overseas Friendship Association and Chairman of Xinyuan Wansheng Technology Development (Shanghai) Co., expressed enthusiasm for Gansu’s rich resources. “Jinchang, situated in the heart of the Hexi Corridor and known as the ‘Nickel Capital of China,’ is where we’ve invested in new energy initiatives. This location offers us a vast platform, and we intend to approach technological innovation with a global perspective, connecting the growth of Jinchang’s new energy sector with international markets. Our objective is to utilize the leadership of the overseas friendship association to boost Gansu’s global influence and help establish it as a modern brand with worldwide recognition,” she stated.
Fan Xuan, Executive Vice President of the Gansu Overseas Friendship Association and Vice President of the Federation of Chinese Business Associations in Germany, reflected on his past experiences, saying, “More than a decade ago, I brought German media to Gansu for grassroots coverage, and the vibrant culture made a lasting impression. Our future lies in sharing the beauty and stories of Gansu with the world. Real, good, and beautiful things resonate with people, irrespective of their origins.”
During the event, several cooperation framework agreements were signed, including initiatives focused on the development of traditional Chinese medicine, the Lanzhou Sanatorium, and the Zhangye traditional medicine planting and processing project.
A spokesperson from the Organization Department of the Gansu Provincial Committee emphasized that Gansu is actively participating in the dynamic journey of Chinese modernization with an open and forward-looking attitude. The people of Longyuan are eager to work with compatriots from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese communities to harness Gansu’s growth momentum, abundant resources, and the region’s vast cultural richness.
