Qingdao spreads its wings globally

Qingdao has formed economic cooperation partnerships with 11 cities and states in seven countries on four continents, according to local officials.

"By developing these partnerships, Qingdao will deepen business cooperation and create win-win results with global cities through joint efforts to facilitate trade and bilateral investment," Liu Mingjun, vice-mayor of Qingdao, said.

Liu was addressing the 2014 Qingdao International Economic Partner City Roundtable.

He said the city will increase communication and cooperation with foreign government agencies dealing with trade and commerce.

In August 2012, Qingdao signed its first economic partnership with Busan in South Korea. Its partners now include Kyoto and Kawasaki in Japan, The Hague in the Netherlands, Vosges and Dijon in France, South Australia, Auckland in New Zealand, San Francisco in the US and Taejon in South Korea.

Ma Weigang, director-general of Qingdao Bureau of Commerce, said the city will cooperate with its partners in a wide range of sectors including port logistics, foreign trade, finance, tourism, culture, scientific research and development, fishing and ocean technology, and clean energy.

Several cooperation projects have been launched thanks to the partnership, including a shipping route between Qingdao and Kawasaki and an exchange program between Qingdao College of the Beijing Film Academy and Auckland University of Technology.

"The city will continue to build channels for business cooperation and information and personnel exchanges," Ma said.

He said Qingdao will hold a roundtable every two years and organize major events such as exhibitions in both Qingdao and partner cities, which will also support cultural and technological exchange activities.

Roland Brouwer, representing The Hague, said the Netherlands has partnered with Qingdao on business cooperation for several years and he looks forward to more in-depth cooperation in the future.

"The Netherlands Business Support Office has had a branch in Qingdao since 2009. I believe the new partnership will lead to more comprehensive cooperation on trade and investment between Qingdao and the Netherlands," he said.

A delegation from The Hague will visit Qingdao in November, Brouwer said.

The first Qingdao International Economic Partner City Roundtable was held on August 29 and 30 with more than 300 participants.