The Qingdao International City Partners Dialogue 2025, one of the main activities of the ongoing 6th Qingdao Multinationals Summit, took place in Qingdao on June 19. With the theme "Openness for a better world, cooperation for a shared future", leaders of multinational companies from various countries, international business associations, and trade organizations gathered to discuss friendship and development.

Zeng Zanrong, Party secretary of Qingdao, attended the dialogue and delivered a keynote speech. He highlighted Qingdao's significance as a vital coastal city in China, emphasizing its role as an open highland connecting the world with prosperous trade.

He added that currently, Qingdao is focusing on technological innovation in an effort to accelerate the development of an innovative industrial system. The city prioritizes industries such as next-generation information technology and artificial intelligence, emerging sectors like life sciences, smart connected new energy vehicles, low-altitude economy, green energy, and intelligent equipment, as well as established sectors including smart home appliances, high-end chemicals and materials, and the modern light industry.

"We are willing to work hand in hand with multinational companies to share opportunities for high-quality development, deepen practical cooperation in broader fields, and jointly create a new chapter of mutual benefit and win-win outcomes," said Zeng.

"With the strong support of the Qingdao government, the AstraZeneca Qingdao production base project achieved several key milestones, going from land acquisition to the start of construction in just 30 days, demonstrating the reality of 'Qingdao speed'," said Tony Pusic, senior vice-president of global operations at AstraZeneca.

AstraZeneca has established its global production base and regional headquarters in Qingdao, with a total investment of $750 million. The group looks forward to further strengthening cooperation, enhancing medical services in the rare disease and respiratory disease fields, and benefiting more patients worldwide.

The Qingdao International City Partners Dialogue 2025, one of the main activities of the ongoing 6th Qingdao Multinationals Summit, takes place in Qingdao on June 19. [Photo/Bandao News]