Weifang strengthens economic ties with Global South partners

Weifang in East China's Shandong province expanded its international engagement at the 7th Qingdao Multinationals Summit, hosting the "Global South" Economic and Trade Cooperation Development Dialogue alongside a dedicated business matchmaking conference on June 15.

The event brought together more than 150 representatives from 32 countries and regions across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Central Asia, including government officials, diplomats, business association representatives and corporate executives.

Delegates explore local product displays and discuss potential partnerships during the specialized exhibition in Qingdao. [Photo/Xinpai News]

To unlock new avenues for mutual growth, officials from the Weifang Municipal Bureau of Commerce — along with representatives from Shouguang and Zhucheng — presented the region's core industrial strengths, strategic investment opportunities, and potential areas for technological innovation. Roundtable discussions focused on accelerating joint economic projects under the Belt and Road Initiative framework.

To facilitate business exchanges, the event featured an exhibition of Weifang enterprises and products. Fifteen companies showcased a range of products and technologies, including smart agricultural machinery, agricultural processing equipment, new materials, green building products and photovoltaic energy-storage solutions. Many of the exhibits aligned with the industrialization and infrastructure development needs of emerging markets.

The conference also generated follow-up cooperation opportunities. Following the closing sessions in Qingdao, a delegation of government officials and business executives from 10 countries visited Weifang for site visits and further exchanges with local enterprises.