As the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–30) begins, Shandong companies are pursuing international growth through technological innovation and tailored solutions, securing a strong start to the year.

Heze Shuanglong Metallurgical Machinery has secured four overseas contracts totaling 180 million yuan ($25.77 million) from countries including Uzbekistan and Zimbabwe in the first week of the year. Specializing in intelligent rotary kilns with high productivity and low energy consumption, the company saw its foreign orders reach 80 percent of total business in 2025.

"A shift to overseas markets became essential," said Gong Jianhan, the company's general manager, attributing their success to high-capacity, low-energy-consumption products and comprehensive service. Last year, Gong spent 260 days in markets from Africa to Southeast Asia, advancing projects at every step from market research to implementation.

Qingdao Hongzhu Agricultural Machinery is customizing its potato harvesters for varied international markets. Following interest at a trade expo last December, a buyer from Peru visited the factory and placed an order in January.

Peru, known for its diverse potato varieties, benefits from China's agricultural machinery technology to improve its harvest. "These agricultural machines can improve production efficiency effectively," said the Peruvian buyer, who ordered several units and looked forward to future cooperation with Qingdao Hongzhu Agricultural Machinery.

The company, which holds over 120 patents, is now shifting from equipment exports to a model of "technology transfer and localized service", including plans to train specialists in Africa.

Workers check devices in the factory of Qingdao Hongzhu Agricultural Machinery. [Photo/Dazhong News]