Binzhou section of the Yellow River. [Photo/WeChat account: bzta12301]

Binzhou, located in the heart of the Yellow River Delta in Shandong, is emerging as a vital part in promoting the Belt and Road Initiative. In 2024, the city's total import and export volume grew by 8.8 percent, making it one of China's top 100 foreign trade cities for the seventh consecutive year, according to Li Chuntian, a deputy to the National People's Congress and mayor of Binzhou.

The city's leading enterprise, Weiqiao Pioneering, has actively contributed to the Belt and Road Initiative by establishing a complete industry value chain from overseas mines to domestic factories. This has created a two-way logistics corridor between China and Africa.

"In 2024, Binzhou further expanded its international markets in ASEAN, Africa, and Latin America, with imports and exports to Belt and Road countries growing by 10.3 percent," said Li.

Binzhou will continue to pursue an open strategy, building a comprehensive international logistics system and creating supportive mechanisms to encourage local enterprises to expand globally, he added.