The UK-Shandong Industry Dialogue on agricultural cooperation recently took place in Weifang, Shandong province, bringing together around 180 representatives from both regions. Participants included government officials, agricultural experts, industry leaders, and researchers, who gathered to explore opportunities in areas such as smart agriculture, agricultural machinery, livestock farming, and international trade.
The "UK-Shandong Agricultural Cooperation Mechanism" is launched to enhance collaboration between Shandong and the UK in the agricultural sector. [Photo/Jinan Times]
The event saw the launch of the "UK-Shandong Agricultural Cooperation Mechanism", an initiative designed to enhance collaboration in the agricultural sector, as well as the signing of several cooperation agreements between companies from both sides, marking a significant step forward in strengthening ties.
Lewis Neal, the UK Trade Commissioner for China, expressed his satisfaction with the dialogue, noting that it is the fourth UK-Shandong Industry Dialogue event to be held thus far. He emphasized the role the dialogues play in fostering deeper collaboration between UK and Shandong companies in targeted industries.
"Through these ongoing efforts, we have made significant strides in building trust and fostering business connections," said Neal. He also highlighted the participation of eight prominent agri-tech companies from the UK, which specialize in fields like animal genetics, biotechnology, sustainable farming, and agricultural solutions. The presence of such companies underscores the wealth of expertise brought to the table by UK companies.
The UK has long been an important European partner for Shandong, with both regions benefiting from strong collaborative relations across various sectors. The agricultural dialogue in Weifang is set to pave the way for more practical and results-oriented cooperation in the agricultural industry, further strengthening the partnership between Shandong and the UK.