The 2026 Sino-European Entrepreneurs Qingdao Forum is held on Oct 27 in Qingdao West Coast New Area, Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 2026 Sino-European Entrepreneurs Qingdao Forum was held on Tuesday in Qingdao West Coast New Area, Shandong province, bringing together representatives of more than 300 Chinese and international companies and business associations to explore opportunities for industrial cooperation.

Long Yongtu, China's former chief negotiator for its accession to the World Trade Organization and co-chairman of the Sino-International Entrepreneurs Federation (SIEF), said the different strengths of State-owned, private, and foreign companies could complement one another.

State-owned enterprises have leading positions in industrial chains and access to resources, Long said, while private companies bring keen market insights and strong capabilities in translating innovation into commercial applications. Foreign companies contribute international technologies and global networks.

"By working together, these enterprises can combine their respective strengths to build comprehensive competitiveness," he added.

Colin James, managing director of Airbus Helicopters China, said the Chinese market offered huge opportunities for helicopter development and growth, supported by the expanding low-altitude economy, which encompasses general aviation, various types of helicopters, and drone-related technologies. He believes the company has opportunities to expand traditional helicopter services and develop new technologies to create a network for low-altitude airspace in China.

Li Jiancheng, vice-president of Qingdao Aucma Holding Group, said the company hopes to strengthen cooperation with European partners in green refrigeration technologies and basic research and development.

By seeking opportunities with European leaders in energy-efficient refrigeration, Aucma aims to develop products that meet the European Union's new energy-efficiency standards while expanding into Europe's high-end cold-chain market, Li said, adding that it also seeks deeper partnerships with fast-moving consumer goods and ice cream companies.

The Qingdao forum has become an annual gathering for Chinese and international entrepreneurs to build trust, deepen cooperation, and explore shared development opportunities. This year's edition was organized by the SIEF, the Qingdao municipal government, and the Shandong Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission.