Chen Fei, mayor of Yantai, briefly introduces Yantai's economic and social development in Beijing on Jan 14. [Photo/jiaodong.net]

A conference to deepen cooperation between Yantai and the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) was held in Beijing on Jan 14.

Chen Fei, mayor of Yantai, Zhang Dailing, vice mayor of Yantai, ambassadors and counselors from ASEAN countries in China, and representatives from business institutes and companies attended.

Chen briefly introduced Yantai's economic and social development and emphasized the ASEAN's importance as a partner to Yantai. Relations between the two sides are becoming increasingly close.

Yantai will take full advantage of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Yantai Area of the China (Shandong) Pilot Free Trade Zone.

Relying on advanced manufacturing and real economy, the city will further strengthen industrial cooperation as well as economic, trade and cultural exchange with ASEAN countries.

Yantai is striving to create a first-class business environment for ASEAN enterprises.

During the conference, the Yantai municipal government signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with the China-ASEAN Business Council.

According to the agreement, the two sides will jointly host a series of foreign exchange activities to promote Yantai's opening-up.

A number of investment and trade cooperation intentions in the fields of tire manufacturing, wine marketing, oil and gas exploitation, and infrastructure construction were also reached at the conference by companies on both sides.