On November 6, 2024, the Seminar on Port Logistics Cooperation for Developing Countries, organized by the Ministry of Commerce and hosted by the MOFCOM Training Base for International Business Officials (Shanghai) of Shanghai Business School, included a visit to the ASEAN Culture & Economic Exchange Center, followed by an immersive visit to Xiamen to engage with Minnan culture along the picturesque “Ten-Mile Causeway”. This event saw the participation of 24 government officials from seven countries, including Egypt, Bahrain, Togo, Fiji, Bangladesh, Nauru, and Thailand.
At the ASEAN Culture & Economic Exchange Center, participants delved into a rich tapestry of artworks from ASEAN nations, encompassing paintings, sculptures, and traditional crafts that vividly reflect the region’s diverse cultural heritage and artistic expressions. The center’s staff offered valuable insights into the cultural contexts and inspirations behind each piece, thereby enriching the participants’ appreciation of ASEAN cultures. Engaging in spirited discussions, the group exchanged experiences and challenges related to cultural cooperation. Savinaqa Tuiniau Matawalu, Logistics Officer of Fiji’s Ministry of Finance, emphasized that culture serves as a profound connector among people, asserting that artistic and cultural exchanges can transcend borders and foster collaborative development.
The delegation then journeyed to Xiamen’s “Ten-Mile Causeway” for an immersive cultural experience. This emerging “urban reception room” illustrates the city’s evolution from disorder to order, from order to beauty, and ultimately into a thriving, dynamic destination. The causeway embodies the spirit of “resilience, innovation, and unity”, symbolizing the power of determination and teamwork in overcoming challenges. It also captures the essence of Southern Fujian culture, characterized by “deep community pride, entrepreneurial courage, a harmonious blend of ethics and pragmatism, and a seamless connection between land and sea”. Through this visit, participants gained valuable insights into the openness, inclusiveness, and critical thinking intrinsic that define Southern Fujian culture. The interactive experience fostered friendship among the officials, cultivating a more inviting atmosphere for future collaborations in port logistics. Asma Sultana, Deputy Secretary-General of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Commerce Secretariat, remarked that cultural exchanges breathe fresh energy into professional collaboration and increase anticipation for future engagements.
This study tour constituted a pivotal aspect of the seminar’s agenda, designed to provide an authentic and multifaceted perspective on China while facilitating international dialogue. Through this enriching cultural journey, participants not only broadened their global outlook but also strengthened the foundation for collaborative efforts in the port and logistics sectors.
Written by: Chen Xiaoye
Photos by: Zhao Jing
Reviewed by: Chen Wei
