Customs officials check a container truck loaded with international mail in Qingdao, Shandong province, on April 15. [Photo by Li Xuan/for chinadaily.com.cn]

In light of the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the province of Shandong will host a series of online activities to boost ties with Europe and facilitate cooperation with key European regions, said the Foreign Affairs Office of Shandong Provincial People's Government.

According to local officials, Shandong has established a sister city network that covers major European countries and regions, as well as a communication mechanism with many foreign government departments, social organizations and institutions that can readily deliver the province's business information to key European regions.

Each activity of the online event series will focus on a cooperation area, with government departments from both sides facilitating cooperation.

The Foreign Affairs Office of Shandong Provincial People's Government will promote a batch of projects in new-generation information technology, high-end equipment manufacturing, new energy and new materials, medical care and other fields and seek cooperation with its European sister cities.

The China-EU agreement on geographical indications will come into force at the beginning of 2021. In order to boost rural revitalization and seize the cooperation opportunities brought by the agreement, the Shandong Foreign Affairs Office will also cooperate with relevant functional departments, institutions and enterprises to boost exchanges and cooperation with European companies.