A conference focusing on cooperation and exchanges between Jinan and multinational companies was held during the fourth China International Import Expo in Shanghai on Nov 5.

Sun Licheng, Party secretary of Jinan, makes a keynote speech at the conference on Nov 5 in Shanghai. [Photo provided to english.Jinan.gov.cn]

Representatives from renowned multinational companies, Fortune Global 500 companies, and leading companies in the Yangtze River Delta, such as Itochu Corporation, Sumitomo Corporation, SAP AG, Bayer, and Siemens attended the conference, looking for cooperation opportunities.

A total of 49 investment and purchasing intention agreements were signed during the event.

Among them, Jinan's business delegation signed 25 agreements with foreign exhibitors. These contracts covered a range of industries, including biological medicine, medical equipment, new energy, food, and high-end consumer product fields.

Attendees at the Cooperation and Exchange Conference of Jinan and Multinationals (Shanghai) on Nov 5 [Photo provided to english.Jinan.gov.cn]

Multinational companies have become an important force in driving economic globalization and have played a key role in connecting the domestic and international markets, said Ren Hongbin, vice-minister of commerce, at the conference.

Ren gave a speech detailing China's continuous opening up efforts, its improving business environment, as well as its commitment to striving for higher standards for international rules.

He said that the Jinan conference provides an opportunity for multinational companies to understand China, invest in China, and explore the Chinese market.

A night view of Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong province [Photo/VCG]

Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong province, boasts complete infrastructure, a strong industrial foundation, and a robust business environment. It is also an important region for China to cooperate with foreign countries.

Sun Licheng, Party secretary of Jinan, made a keynote speech at the conference and hoped that more multinationals will choose to do business and invest in Jinan.

Leaders of multinational companies expressed their expectations and visions for deepening cooperation with Jinan. They said that they are optimistic about Jinan's business environment.

They added that through the event, they hoped that they can enhance their understanding of Jinan, strengthen cooperation with the city, as well as further expand exchanges to reach mutually beneficial cooperation.