Shandong farm products were a big hit at the eighth China-ASEAN International Agricultural Cooperation Exhibition, which was held during the 20th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region from Sept 16 to 19.

The Shandong hall at the eighth China-ASEAN International Agricultural Cooperation Exhibition. [Photo/Jinan Times]

The Shandong hall, which spanned 154 square meters and displayed about 330 kinds of products from 106 companies, had the largest number of exhibitors and exhibits at the event.

Geographical indication agricultural products and specialities from the province's 16 cities were all well-received.

Qingyuan Group, a food company based in Shandong's Linyi city, brought calcium milk biscuits that have been around for three generations, spicy beef sauce, mushroom sauce, and traditional flavor braised beef noodles, among other products, to the exhibition.

Shandong's agricultural products attract much attention at the eighth China-ASEAN International Agricultural Cooperation Exhibition. [Photo/Jinan Times]

"It is a pleasure for Qingyuan to participate in this exhibition and we hope that through this platform, our healthy food products can enter Southeast Asian countries," said Sang Zhenliang, vice-president of Qingyuan Group.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the China-ASEAN Expo, as well as the establishment of the China-ASEAN strategic partnership. China has been ASEAN's largest trading partner since 2009. Trade volume between the two has been increasing over the years.

Shandong has also been ramping up efforts to boost trade and economic cooperation with ASEAN countries.

In 2022, the import and export volume between Shandong and ASEAN was 37.26 billion yuan ($5.11 billion). From January to July this year, the trade volume totaled 19.28 billion yuan.

ASEAN has become an extremely important trading market for Shandong agricultural products. Shandong's exports of agricultural products to ASEAN include peanut oil, peanuts, apples, garlics, ginger, grain, seafood, and meat products.

Businessmen from ASEAN countries show interest in Shandong's precooked dishes. [Photo/Jinan Times]