The Dialogue on Friendship and Cooperation between Shandong province and Scotland was held on Nov 22 via online channels, with government officials, representatives from business institutes and friendship organizations from both sides taking part.

The Dialogue on Friendship and Cooperation between Shandong province and Scotland is held on Nov 22. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Jointly hosted by the Office of Foreign Affairs Commission of CPC Shandong Provincial Committee, the Shandong Federation of Industry and Commerce, and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, the event was designed to enhance communication and cooperation between the two sides.

In his speech, Cai Xianjin, director of the Office of Foreign Affairs Commission of CPC Shandong Provincial Committee, said that since the establishment of friendly cooperation ties in 2006, Shandong and Scotland have carried out in-depth cooperation in many fields and achieved fruitful results.

"Many Scottish people love Shandong and have made selfless contributions to mutual exchanges and cooperation. Among them, David Valentine MBE, trade ambassador of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce is an outstanding representative," said Cai.

"Honorary citizen of Shandong" is the highest honorary title established by the Shandong Provincial People's Government in recognition of foreigners. In September this year, Shandong awarded Valentine this title in recognition of his contributions to promoting friendly cooperation between Shandong and Scotland over the past 20 years.

Cai also spoke about the latest economic and social development of Shandong, saying that the Office of Foreign Affairs Commission of CPC Shandong Provincial Committee and the Shandong People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries will provide services and support for the cooperation between chambers of commerce, enterprises and institutions of both sides.

He also expressed hope that the chambers of commerce from both sides will give full play to their comparative advantages, strengthen communication, and seize cooperation opportunities to achieve mutually beneficial results.

Shandong Province Chamber of Commerce and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce sign a cooperation agreement. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

China's Consul General in Edinburgh Ma Qiang said that Shandong province and Scotland have maintained good long-term friendly relations.

"The cooperation agreement signed by the Shandong Province Chamber of Commerce and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce will provide broad opportunities for the two sides to further deepen exchanges and expand economic and trade cooperation," said Ma.

He also expressed hope that the friendly relations between Shandong province and Scotland will play a leading role in China-UK sub-national exchanges and continue to make positive contributions to the healthy development of bilateral relations.

Scotland covers an area of 78,000 square kilometers and has a population of nearly 6 million. It has outstanding advantages in education, scientific research, modern finance, clean energy and marine science and technology. It is an important partner of Shandong province in carrying out cooperation with Britain and Europe.

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce is an alliance of 30 local chambers of commerce. It has more than 12,000 member companies in Scotland, creating more than 50 percent of private sector jobs in Scotland and playing an important role in economic and trade cooperation between Shandong and Scotland.