Li Yongsen: introduce new Shandong to the world

Li Yongsen, deputy director of Shandong Provincial Foreign Affairs Office [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Shandong began forging sister city ties in 1979 along with the reform and opening up, and its partnerships have been expanding over the past 40 years. Sister city partnerships have helped the province open its doors to the world.

Shandong's partner cities have helped bring economic, cultural, scientific, technological, and educational benefits to the province, renewed old ideas, and promoted various economic and social undertakings there.

Shandong is also taking full advantage of its strengths, especially in the fields of culture, education, science, technology, economy, and trade, and working to strengthen cooperation with its partner cities.

The main purpose of this conference is to demonstrate to our partner cities the results of 40 years of cooperation and to introduce Shandong's new development strategy for the new era. 

The China (Shandong) Pilot Free Trade Zone has been approved by the central government, a comprehensive pilot zone has been established to replace old growth drivers with new ones, and a demonstration area for local economic and trade cooperation between China and SCO member states has been promoted. All of these provide a broad stage for cooperation between Shandong and other countries.

Shandong promoted these parks during the conference and explained its strengths to its partner cities in order to expand its influence and enhance partner cities' understanding of and confidence in the province. 

Shandong's huge market and dynamic development has also enhanced the confidence of foreign countries.

Many foreign participants who had come to China and to Shandong for the first time felt the rapid changes in China and the great achievements of Shandong.

Participants said they did not expect China's development to be so significant, which boosted their desire to strengthen cooperation and exchanges.

Therefore, foreign countries increasingly wish to share in China's rapid development and conduct comprehensive cooperation with Shandong.

The success of this conference also depends on cooperation and support from all our partner cities.

This conference is expected to boost Shandong province's cooperation with foreign countries.