The 2024 International Cooperation Conference on Sustainable Development and the Sino-European (Jinan) Green Low-Carbon Economy Cooperation Conference is set to take place from October 22 to 24 in Jinan. Guests from countries such as China, Germany, the UK, and France will come together to discuss topics including international cooperation in green low-carbon sustainable development, the high-quality development of green enterprises, and enhancing energy efficiency.
Meng Xiangdong, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and President of the Shandong Provincial Council for the Promotion of International Trade, shared that European companies will showcase numerous new products and technologies at the conference. This presents a prime opportunity for local enterprises in Shandong to connect with outstanding European firms, exchange technological expertise, and engage in investment and trade negotiations. “Currently, over 100 foreign enterprises have confirmed their attendance, with more than 90% having never visited Shandong or invested in China. They have a strong desire to collaborate and invest,” he noted.
Meng also mentioned that through preliminary visits and research, the council has gauged domestic businesses’ willingness to engage with European partners, facilitating international cooperation across various sectors such as aerospace, intelligent manufacturing, new energy, and new materials. Following multiple rounds of talks between enterprises, more than ten collaborative projects, including an aviation industrial park, green battery recycling, zero-carbon smart parks, and a dementia care center, have reached intention agreements, with expectations to sign contracts at the conference.
Zhang Zhe, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and President of the Jinan Council for the Promotion of International Trade, indicated that foreign enterprise participants represent diverse industries such as automotive, new energy, textiles, and machinery manufacturing. “For many attendees, this is their first visit to Jinan, with over 70% expressing clear intentions and goals for negotiations and potential clients. Discussions will encompass international trade, bilateral investment, and the establishment of cooperation platforms,” he explained.
Zhang emphasized that during the conference, participants will engage in extensive discussions across various fields, including trade, culture, technology, education, energy, and talent. This aims to broaden the network of collaboration between Jinan and European businesses and political entities, fostering deeper mutual understanding while leveraging respective resource advantages to identify cooperation opportunities.
Li Guoxiang, Deputy Mayor of Jinan, noted that currently, over 180 European-invested companies operate in Jinan, representing 10.1% of the city’s total foreign investment enterprises. Prominent companies like Festo, Siemens, and SKF have shown strong growth in Jinan. Additionally, 85 enterprises (or institutions) have been established in Europe, with total investments reaching $950 million. “Jinan enjoys extensive industrial cooperation with Europe, and I believe this conference will further enhance cooperation in talent, technology, and investment between both sides.”
The event is jointly hosted by the Shandong Provincial Council for the Promotion of International Trade, the Jinan municipal government, and the Federal Association of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Germany. Scheduled activities include keynote speeches on sustainable development, the Sino-European (Jinan) Green Opportunities Seminar, project roadshows for green industries, an exhibition of Sino-European green industry results, and an international business forum.