An alliance composed of the high-tech parks from eight Belt and Road countries was announced to be established in the coastal city of Yantai, East China's Shandong province, on July 4.

As one of the first cities cooperating with the Belt and Road countries in Shandong, Yantai has established long-term cooperative relationships with more than 180 enterprises from other member countries such as Russia, the Ukraine and Georgia over the past years.

The newly established High-Tech Park Alliance is expected to serve as an important platform to enhance the industrial interactions, scientific and technological exchanges between Yantai and the countries along the Belt and Road region according to Zhang Renzhong, the director of the Sino-Russia center at the Yantai High-tech Zone.

On a large scale, the Alliance will boost the building of a network of technological transfers, coordination and cooperation covering both the national high-tech development zones in China and those of the Belt and Road countries. This will improve the scientific and technological cooperation between the two parties, Zhang added.

Giorgi Kvesitadze, president of the Academy of Sciences of Georgia, revealed at the launching ceremony the two parties have jointly established a micro-biotechnology research center and will conduct more cooperation in covering areas like chemistry, physics, agriculture and nano-tech to better benefit the two countries.

The deputy chairman of Armenia’s State Committee of Science, Vardan Sahakyan, also delivered his expectations for the alliance of its contribution in promoting mutual collaboration and enhancing technological and innovative development.

The Silk Road, an ancient trade channel connecting Asia and Europe, has made great efforts in facilitating cultural and economic development. In a bid to further its impact and increase mutual connectivity, Yantai has established long-term cooperation with over 180 companies from countries along the Silk Road.

Representatives of the high-tech parks from eight Belt and Road countries attend the launch ceremony. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]