The Shandong Port Group signed strategic cooperation agreements with the Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) and the Zhejiang Seaport Investment & Operation Group on June 11 to collaborate in world-class port construction.

Through cooperation and coordinated development with competitive ports in the Yangtze River Delta region, the Shandong Port Group aims to speed up the construction of safe, convenient, smart, green, economically efficient and world-leading ports, according to industry insiders.

The Shandong Port Group and the Shanghai International Port Group sign a strategic cooperation agreement on June 11 in Shanghai. [Photo/iqilu.com]

Its strategic cooperation with SIPG is an upgraded version of the strategic cooperation framework agreement signed by the two sides last September, which underlines that both parties will promote coordinated development, jointly respond to new changes in the global port and shipping industry, optimize port business environment and foster world-class ports.

Shandong Port Group and the Zhejiang Seaport Investment & Operation Group will give full play to their respective geographical and resource advantages, strengthen cooperation in smart and green port construction, capital operation, reform and innovation, personnel training and other fields, and jointly enhance the high-quality development of ports.

The Shandong Port Group and the Zhejiang Seaport Investment & Operation Group sign a strategic cooperation agreement on June 11. [Photo/iqilu.com]

According to the agreements, the involved parties will also establish a mechanism for high-level visits and daily work contacts to strengthen information exchanges and promote project cooperation.

Shandong province serves as a gateway to the New Eurasian Land Bridge and is an important junction in the Belt and Road. The Shandong Port Group plays a vital role in connecting the East and West through its land-sea transport systems.

A US cargo ship docks at the Qingdao Port, a branch of the Shandong Port Group. [Photo by Yu Shaoyue/For China Daily]

SIPG is located at the intersection of China's coastline and the Yangtze River golden waterway. It is the bridgehead of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and an important hub of river-sea combined transportation of the Yangtze River Economic Belt.

The Zhejiang Seaport Investment & Operation Group also plays an important role in implementing the Belt and Road Initiative, the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region.