#China #Ningde #Fujian Province #Gutian Fellowship #Overseas Chinese

The 7th Gutian Hometown Fellowship Conference

From November 10 to 12, 2025, the picturesque Gutian County in Ningde City, located in the southeastern province of Fujian, China, hosted the 7th Gutian Hometown Fellowship Conference. This significant event attracted overseas Chinese from over 30 countries, alongside compatriots from various regions in China, all united with a common goal: to renew connections and discuss development initiatives.

Reviving Cultural Ties

The conference kicked off with an opening ceremony led by Xu Feng, the Party Chief of Gutian County. In his address, he highlighted the region's rapid advancements in both economic and social spheres. Xu extended a warm welcome to the overseas Chinese community, emphasizing the valuable contributions made by Gutian’s 350,000 overseas compatriots. Many of these individuals have established notable entrepreneurial ventures, showcasing their resilience and innovative spirit.

During this gathering, attendees engaged in rejuvenating cultural dialogues, underlining the importance of maintaining ties with their ancestral roots while exploring sustainable development paths for their hometowns.

Investment Opportunities Flourish

A vital aspect of the conference was the investment promotion session themed “precise matching and complementary strengths.” This initiative aimed to foster deeper collaboration between overseas Chinese capital and various industries in Gutian, notably in sectors such as deep-processing of edible fungi and cross-border trade.

Chen Shengli, the president of the Chinese Federation of Commerce and Industry in Spain, noted that several of Gutian’s specialty products—including white fungus, bamboo fungus, and red yeast rice—align perfectly with European health trends. The overseas Chinese community expressed eagerness to assist in opening up these markets, paving the way for Gutian’s products to reach a broader international audience.

A Strong Business Ethos

The conference also witnessed the signing of key projects spanning diverse sectors, including new energy, tourism, and agriculture. The total value of contracts negotiated during the event approached an impressive 5 billion yuan. This underscores the commitment of Gutian County to harness the remarkable potential of its global diaspora, facilitating an environment conducive to development and innovation.

Building a Global Community

The conference marked a pivotal moment for Gutian in fortifying its relationship with its global community. With ambitious plans already in motion, the county aims to enhance services and promote trade collaborations ensuring that the strengths and insights of its overseas citizens continue to underpin its growth strategy.

As Gutian County moves forward, it seeks to not only maintain its rich traditions but also position itself as a modern hub for investment and development, fostering a vibrant dialogue between its overseas compatriots and the rich cultural heritage of their ancestral home.

In conclusion, the 7th Gutian Hometown Fellowship Conference was much more than a mere gathering; it was a celebration of unity, culture, and progressive action within the ever-expanding narrative of global Chinese communities. It served as a clear invitation for those abroad to engage with their roots while contributing to the growth of their hometown, setting the stage for future collaborations and innovations.

Conclusion

In light of the ongoing developments and successful outcomes from this conference, it is evident that such gatherings play a crucial role in not only bridging cultural gaps but also enhancing economic possibilities for both the local community and diaspora members. The roads forged at the Gutian Hometown Fellowship Conference will undoubtedly lead to future advancements and cooperative successes, reflecting the invaluable contributions of Chinese communities worldwide.