A promotional conference organized by the eastern coastal city of Yantai was held on Nov 19 in Fuzhou, East China's Fujian province in a bid to attract more investment and tourists to the city.

More than 150 distinguished guests from the Fujian government, media, and concerned industries such as agriculture, finance, investment and tourism took part in the event.

Li Bo, deputy mayor of Yantai, briefed attendees on the city's recent economic and social developments. Ji Shanting, director of the Yantai municipal housing and urban-rural development bureau, discussed the city's six key developing areas.

Yantai was among the first 14 cities to open up to the world in 1984, and remains an important hub for the Belt and Road Initiative.

The coastal city enjoys a healthy environment, robust industries and rich marine resources. It has attracted investment from many Fortune 500 companies over the years.

Chen Luo, executive chairman of the Fujian Real Estate Chamber of Commerce, spoke highly of Yantai's achievements, especially in industrial upgrading, scientific and technological innovation, infrastructure construction, and the development of tourism resources.

Chen urged Fujian entrepreneurs to visit Yantai and explore investment and trade opportunities.

Yantai and Fuzhou have a long history of economic and trade exchange. In 1906, an association was established in Yantai to facilitate business exchange between the two cities. Currently, more than 20,000 Fujian natives are living in Yantai.