For Shandong, the China International Import Expo (CIIE), held in Shanghai from Nov 5 to 10, was more than a buying opportunity. As global companies look to tap China's market, the province also used the expo to showcase its manufacturing strengths and seek partners in technology and services.

At the ninth CIIE, the Shandong's exhibition area pavilion featured 43 companies from 16 cities, highlighting local brands, traditional crafts, and new technologies. Time-honored brands such as Hongjitang, a traditional Chinese medicine company, and Xiuwenzhai, an engraving and printing firm with over 300 years of history, displayed their products and explored business opportunities with international exhibitors, including a Canadian delegation.

Shandong-based Inspur showcased its Hairuo Industry large language model, which has served 245 provincial and municipal government bodies across China. Visitors were also able to watch traditional craft demonstrations and see intelligent robots from a local company and a medical electron linear accelerator from SHINVA.

Shandong also sought international cooperation in producer services, which support manufacturing and other industries. A conference on the sector held on Nov 5 brought together representatives of 105 Fortune Global 500 companies and other industry leaders. Agreements on 20 projects with a combined investment of 4.3 billion yuan ($644.63 million) were signed at the event, covering sectors such as research and development, energy conservation and environmental protection, and general aviation.

Over the past eight editions, Shandong has secured intended deals worth around $52 billion. This year, preliminary market research suggests the province will add another $8 billion in intended deals.

A section of Shandong pavilion at China International Import Expo in Shanghai. [Photo/Shandian News]