Shandong furthers cooperation with sister cities

Shandong province has 463 sister cities from 75 countries around the world, the most of any province in China. The relationships have greatly promoted Shandong's economic development in recent years.

A joint-venture plant established by Weichai Holding Group Co Ltd in Shandong and Kamaz Group in Russia and covering an area of 12,000 square meters will begin operating by the end of the year in Yaroslavl, Russia.

Sister city relationships have attracted more high-end projects from developed countries to Shandong, helping spur local development. The city's collaboration with Bavaria, Germany is especially notable.

Ten major projects with 23.5 billion yuan ($3.33 billon) in investment have recently begun in the Qingdao International Economic Cooperation Zone.

China National Heavy Duty Truck Group, also known as Sinotruk, has seen stable growth and an expanding market share during a period of depression in the heavy truck industry, largely due to its cooperation with Man Group in Germany.

Shandong has also made a number of investments in several sister cities/states, including Texas in the United States, Western Cape in South Africa, and Punjab in Pakistan.

Shandong's strong relations with cities around the world have helped spur the province's opening up. Qingdao Port now has 22 partner ports, including Cartagena Port in Spain.

Exchanges between Shandong and its sister cities have helped facilitate cooperation in various fields, including trade, marine fishing, agriculture, food security, environment protection, energy, medical treatment, and infrastructure.

Shandong plans to enhance its international relations at the conference on Asian economic cooperation held in South Korea, the Shandong Aging Industry Expo, and the economic and trade fair to be held in Shankou county, Shandong province.