Yantai, a coastal city in East China's Shandong province, established sister-city ties with Xaisomboun province in Laos on July 27. 

The city now has international sister-city ties with 49 cities in 25 countries and regions, enlarging its international "circle of friends".

In recent years, Yantai has made use of its advantages in foreign affairs to promote practical cooperation between itself and its sister cities, thus promoting the city's high-quality development.

Laos is a friendly neighbor of China and also a comprehensive strategic cooperative partner. With the opening of the China-Laos Railway, the two countries have enhanced exchanges and cooperation efforts, showing vitality and enormous potential. 

Xaisomboun province is a special economic zone in Laos, and has convenient transportation and unique natural resources. Both Yantai and Xaisomboun have highly complementary industrial structures, which is why this cooperative partnership has such great potential.

The two places will deepen cooperation in various fields such as mineral exploration, mining machinery manufacturing, tea processing, education, and tourism, aiming to achieve mutual benefits.

Located on the east coast of the Shandong Peninsula and bordered by Bohai Bay and the Yellow Sea, Yantai is a regional transport hub, an important industrial city in the Bohai-rim economic zone, and a gateway to northeast Asia.

Yantai's opening-up efforts can be traced back to 1861, when the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) opened itself up to the world. At that time, Yantai was home to the consulates of 17 different countries. The city was then designated as part of China's reform and opening-up process in 1984.

In recent years, Yantai has been committed to promoting economic openness and internationalization. It has carried out practical cooperation with its sister cities in areas such as the wine industry, green energy development, marine fishery, culture and tourism, and education.

Yantai, a coastal city in East China's Shandong province, establishes sister-city ties with Xaisomboun province in Laos on July 27. [Photo/VCG]