On November 18, the 22nd Teochew International Convention and the 10th World Chaoshan Entrepreneurs Convention kicked off in Shantou, bringing together around 2,800 attendees from 263 associations, business groups, and organizations across 35 countries and regions.
Shantou International Convention and Exhibition Center (Photo: Xie Jialong)
These two major conventions held in Shantou from November 18 to 20 mark the city's largest international gathering in recent years, in terms of the number of participants, duration, and global representation, making it a long-awaited "homecoming journey" for Chaoshan people all over the world.
"I'm honored to join this event. That Chaoshan people from all over the world come to Shantou for this event is a testament to our unity and pride," said Jiang Xuzhong, President of the Overseas Friendship Union Cambodia Chao Ren (Chaoshan people), who hasn't returned to Shantou in five years. He marveled at the city's rapid development embodied in new skyscrapers and praised Shantou's appealing environment for living and investment.
Chen Sijia, Vice President of the US Chao-Shan Chamber of Commerce, shares the same sentiment as Jiang. "Shantou is stunning. Especially during the event when the city is beautifully decorated, it gives me a warm and welcoming feeling, making me feel at home. The changes in the downtown area, especially the area near the MixC (a shopping mall), are very vibrant and metropolitan."
Shantou International Convention and Exhibition Center (Photo: Xie Jialong)
On the afternoon of November 18, a preparatory meeting for the association leadership was held at the Shantou International Convention and Exhibition Center, where the attendees expressed their expectations for the upcoming events. "The conventions have brought successful overseas Chaoshan business people back home to discover new opportunities and help with their hometown's economic growth," said Fang Dongna, President of the Teo-Chew Community Center in the US. She emphasized that Shantou should leverage its strengths as an overseas Chinese hub to drive economic progress. The venue of the two conventions features traditional Chaoshan culture in forms of paper cutting, wood carving, and architecture. Chen Sijia, who is actually an artist known for her integration of Chinese traditions and contemporary art, contributed a paper-cutting sculpture for display. The work was co-created with her father, Chen Chuansheng. She hopes to share Chaoshan culture with the world through the borderless medium of art.
The Teochew International Convention and the World Chaoshan Entrepreneurs Convention are key platforms for global Chaoshan communities to share their bonds and promote economic and cultural exchanges. The Teochew International Convention, initiated in 1980 by Southeast Asian Chaoshan groups, now includes 170 member organizations. The World Chaoshan Entrepreneurs Convention, launched in 2004, has been taking place biennially since 2005.
During the conventions, Shantou will host a series of events and visits centered around the themes of "economy, culture, youth, and unity." To welcome guests, the city has curated three tourist routes to showcase its economic achievements, industries, and cultural heritage.
Reporter | Chen Siyuan, Wu Caiqian, Wu Yijie
Photo | Xie Jialong
Editor | Hu Nan, James, Shen He
