The Qingdao Area of the China (Shandong) Pilot Free Trade Zone, also known as the Qingdao FTZ, and the Sino-German Ecopark hosted an international economic and trade cooperation docking activity on Sept 9, aiming at matching foreign suppliers with local demand and deepening industrial cooperation.
Nearly 100 delegates from 15 countries, including Germany and Saudi Arabia, attended the one-day event, which featured site visits to BGI Genomics, Diehl Controls, Haier and Qingdao Port's automated container terminal.
Gao Shanwu, director of the Qingdao FTZ Administration Committee and the Sino-German Ecopark Management Committee, told delegates that developing marine industries and expanding high-level opening-up are "national mandates" given to the pilot zone.
"Since its approval, the zone has leveraged its unique location and policy advantages to develop a free and convenient trade service model, creating a high-quality, world-class business environment. It has become a preferred investment destination for both domestic and international enterprises," Gao added.
Liu Yin, chief representative of the Shandong representative office of the German Federal Association of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, pledged to play a bridging role, accurately matching the technological needs and cooperation intentions of German enterprises.
She said she hopes more German partners will take part in Qingdao's development process, exploring broader markets and launching a new chapter in cooperation.
Officials gave a detailed briefing on the zone's port-linked logistics, bonded R&D status and cash subsidies for marine-tech projects, while executives from German component maker Logomat and Chinese genome giant BGI Genomics shared case studies on scaling up locally.
Foreign guests and Qingdao FTZ officials pose for a group photo. [Photo/WeChat account: qingdaozimao]
China (Shandong) Pilot Free Trade Zone Qingdao Area
