Yantai in East China's Shandong province is strengthening its partnership with South Korea. A recent visit by a high-level South Korean delegation has created new opportunities for collaboration in biopharmaceuticals, clean energy, and logistics.

On May 25, a 12-member South Korean delegation, led by the Chairman of the South Korea Global Innovation Institute, arrived in Yantai. The next day, the Yantai Foreign Affairs Office signed a cooperation agreement with the South Korean institute at the Yantai-South Korea Economic and Trade Investment Conference.

The visit was a follow-up to a high-level Yantai investment mission to South Korea in March. At the conference, Yantai sought deeper cooperation in AI, robotics, biopharmaceuticals, wellness, and tourism. The leader of the South Korean delegation praised Yantai's industries and pledged to promote the city's investment potential back home.

Several South Korean companies, including GenoCure and DSD Group, shared their experiences and held talks with local businesses. They reached more than ten preliminary agreements. The delegation also toured key Yantai companies and the China-South Korea Economic and Cultural Exchange Center.

Yantai has a long history of South Korean investments. Since 1989, more than 4,000 South Korean companies — including Hyundai and SK — have invested $6.8 billion in the city. Yantai now has sister-city ties with eight South Korean cities. With stronger government support and growing business confidence, Yantai is ready to take its partnership with South Korea to the next level.