Shandong launches a foreign-affairs initiative in Zaozhuang, aiming to support local companies in their bid to reach global markets. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

East China's Shandong province launched a foreign-affairs initiative in Zaozhuang on Aug 13 to assist local enterprises with their global market expansion plans, connecting over 220 foreign-related enterprises with comprehensive state support.

Key topics included cross-border e-commerce, legal and arbitration services, logistics, and export credit risk. Representatives from provincial commerce, justice, market regulation, and customs agencies briefed attendees on international trade compliance and support policies.

"These measures provide immediate value," said Wang Chengrui, foreign trade manager at Blue Ocean (Shandong) E-commerce Development, citing how APEC Business Travel Cards have streamlined urgent corporate travel.

The initiative also facilitated business matchmaking with overseas Chinese trade associations and showcased Shandong Port Group's "land–sea connect" supply chain solutions for warehousing, customs, and multimodal freight.

Organizers highlighted how the initiative reflects Shandong's commitment to providing seamless, end-to-end support for local companies as they tap foreign shores, building on annual outreach efforts launched by the provincial foreign affairs office in 2024.