The Forum on International Trade Facilitation Cooperation in the Yellow River Basin was held on Nov 6 during the fifth China International Import Expo in Shanghai.

Under the theme of "Joining Hands on a New Journey, Building a New Channel", the forum is designed to promote the achievements of institutional innovation in trade facilitation, as well as explore a new path of integrated development, opening-up and cooperation in the Yellow River Basin.

The Forum on International Trade Facilitation Cooperation in the Yellow River Basin is held on Nov 6 in Shanghai. [Photo/Dazhong News]

In his keynote speech, Ling Wen, vice-governor of Shandong province, said that the Yellow River basin is an important ecological barrier as well as an important economic zone in China.

Located in the lower reaches of the Yellow River, Shandong is at the strategic node for China's expansion and opening-up from south to north and gradient development from west to east, said Ling, adding that the province boasts the most convenient passage to the sea in the Yellow River Basin and the bridgehead of the new Eurasian Land Bridge.

Ling Wen, vice-governor of Shandong province, delivers a speech at the forum. [Photo/Dazhong News]

According to Ling, Shandong is willing to deepen international cooperation with provinces and regions along the Yellow River in green and low-carbon development, modern industries and customs cooperation.

Twenty-six key projects were signed during the forum, involving a total investment of $3.64 billion, contracted foreign capital of $884 million and a contracted import value of $1.12 billion.

One of the signed projects, the Jimo (HG37) offshore photovoltaic project is expected to receive a total investment of $1.11 billion, with contracted foreign capital hitting $150 million. Located in Jimo district in Qingdao, the project is designed with a total installed capacity of 1.15 million kW.

The Jinan-ASEAN agricultural products digital trading platform project, signed by the Jinan Area of the China (Shandong) Pilot Free Trade Zone and a Thai company, involves a total investment of $50 million, and contracted foreign investment of $25 million.

Representatives sign twenty-six key projects during the forum. [Photo/Dazhong News]