Under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, Shandong province is seizing new opportunities for opening up to conduct multi-channel cooperation with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), making ASEAN the largest trading partner and export market of Shandong.

The two sides have maintained frequent high-level visits, deepening mutual trust and expanding trade and economic ties.

Gong Zheng, Former Governor of Shandong province (now Mayor of Shanghai), led a delegation to the Philippines in March 2019.

Wang Liang, Deputy Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Shandong Provincial People’s Congress, led a delegation to visit Vietnam and Thailand in late May of last year.

Ren Airong, Vice-Governor of Shandong province, visited Singapore in December 2019 with a government delegation.

Shandong has advanced economic and trade ties with Singapore by making full use of existing cooperation mechanisms.

Over the past 27 years, thanks to joint efforts by both sides, the trade volume between Shandong and Singapore has continued to expand.

Last year, imports and exports between Shandong and Singapore valued at $2.57 billion. Singapore has become the fifth largest investor in Shandong province, while 24 Shandong companies are listed in Singapore.

The two sides are continuing to increase cooperation in finance, urban management, education, culture, sports and port development.

On September 22nd, Shandong will hold an ASEAN special session of the “Connecting Shandong with Fortune Global 500” in Jinan. By then, 11 important guests from 7 countries will connect with leaders and entrepreneurs of Shandong province through video to discuss new opportunities for future cooperation.