The City of and the recently announced the launch of the Fuzhou Pilot Project. The 18-month project, jointly funded by the City and Port aims to expand trade, primarily exports to and to attract foreign direct investment to the region., a Chinese port city with a population of more than 6 million, is the capital city of . , the largest city in South Puget Sound in state, features one of North American’s largest container ports. and have been Sister Cities since October 1994. "Our two regions have shared numerous exchanges to expand and strengthen trade and cultural ties," said . " is now 's largest trading partner by both volume and by dollar value, and is a key gateway to this market.