International delegation concludes two-day visit to SW China's Chongqing
The delegation included officials from 11 foreign consulates based in Chongqing and Chengdu, capital of the neighboring Sichuan Province, as well as delegates from six overseas institutions in Chongqing and journalists from 13 domestic and overseas media outlets.
The delegation first visited the newly opened Chongqing East Railway Station on Wednesday morning, where they took a high-speed train to Pengshui Miao and Tujia Autonomous County for a two-day visit to deeply savor Miao ethnic culture and explore cooperation opportunities.
This marked the station's first large-scale reception of international guests since it began operations in late June.
"The design of Chongqing East Railway Station is very modern, and the decoration is also very beautiful," said Kyaw Zay Yar Lin, consul general of Myanmar to Chongqing.
With an overall floorage of around 1.23 million square meters, the station is a major comprehensive transportation hub -- integrating trains, urban rail transit, buses, long-distance coaches and taxis.
Foreign guests were amazed by the speed of the high-speed trains. Notably, the opening of a new high-speed railway line has reduced train travel time from Chongqing to Pengshui from about three hours to less than an hour.
"This connectivity will encourage frequent visits to ethnic regions like Pengshui," said Eva Yi-Hua Yu, consul general of Canada to Chongqing.
In Pengshui, delegates immersed themselves in Miao ethnic culture, experiencing traditional Chinese medicine and Miao embroidery, which offered them insights into the protection of indigenous cultures.
"Like your region, Myanmar is a country with diverse ethnic communities, vibrant cultures, and strong respect for nature and tradition. We believe that diversity is strength, and I have felt a strong sense of connection between your community and ours during this visit to Pengshui," said Lin.
The development achievements in terms of people's livelihoods and ethnic cultures, and the promotion of local products in Pengshui, serve as valuable experience for Vietnam to learn from, said Bui Nguyen Long, consul general of Vietnam to Chongqing. He noted that Vietnam also has a large Miao minority population, most of whom live in poverty.
Guests expressed their belief that Chongqing East Railway Station will create new opportunities for tourism and trade between Chongqing and international partners.
After tasting wasabi, a local specialty of Pengshui, Takada Mari, Japan's consul general to Chongqing, was surprised to find that this food cherished by the Japanese is grown in China.
"I only learned about it when I came here by high-speed railway this time. I believe the railway will make it much easier to trade products, and we look forward to seeing Pengshui wasabi exported to Japan soon," she said.
"I believe that the opening of the new high-speed railway will provide good transportation and create economic momentum in Pengshui. It can bring Pengshui closer to major economic centers, opening up new opportunities for tourism, logistics and trade," said Lin.
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