The Qingdao-EU Economic and Trade Cooperation Dialogue was held on April 20 in the eastern coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province.

Hosted by the Qingdao municipal people's government and the European Chamber of Commerce in China, the event gathered more than 120 guests, including government officials, as well as representatives of enterprises, business associations,  trade promotion agencies, and media outlets to further exchanges and cooperation between Qingdao and EU.

The Qingdao-EU Economic and Trade Cooperation Dialogue is held on April 20. [Photo/Qingdao News]

Qingdao is striving to build itself into a leading city in the development of top industries and a modern maritime economy, said a senior official of Qingdao, adding that the city plans to become an international innovation-oriented metropolis, a global financial and transportation hub, a model city for modern governance, as well as a high-quality coastal city suitable for living, working, and tourism.

He expressed hope that the EU Chamber of Commerce in China will continue to serve as a bridge and boost exchanges and cooperation between Qingdao and the EU in economy, trade, investment, culture, as well as other fields to a new level.

"Qingdao will continue to build a market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized first-class business environment to create favorable conditions for EU enterprises to develop in Qingdao," he said.

Joerg Wuttke, president of the EU Chamber of Commerce in China, delivers a keynote speech at the event. [Photo/Qingdao News] 

Joerg Wuttke, president of the EU Chamber of Commerce in China, thanked the Qingdao government for its thoughtful arrangements for the EU Chamber and its strong support for the development of EU enterprises in the city.

Wuttke noted that the cooperation between the EU and Qingdao enjoys a sound foundation and broad space for the future.

The EU Chamber of Commerce in China will give full play to the advantages of its platform to promote exchanges and communication between the two sides in such areas as economic and trade exchanges and green energy, tap into investment potential, promote practical cooperation, and share development opportunities, said Wuttke.

An information session was also held on the EU project to support small and medium-sized enterprises in China.

Participants at the event [Photo/Qingdao News]