Shandong and bavaria mark 30 years of relations

Partnerships see strong growth in various sectors

Bavaria, a German state known for its strong industrial foundations, has become one of Shandong province's most important partners over the past three decades.

The state not only established close economic ties with Shandong, but also maintained a strong relationship in fields such as education, urbanization, high technology and finance over the past three decades.

Statistics from Shandong province show that Bavaria has supported construction of at least four professional training and education centers via the Hanns Seidel Foundation since 1989. Its overall contribution totals more than 10 million euros ($11.44 million).

Shandong and Bavaria also have strong cooperation in the higher education sector. Leading universities - Shandong University, Ocean University of China, Shandong University of Science and Technology, among others - have established partnerships with major universities in Bavaria, launching several cooperative projects.

Shandong has spared no efforts to support technology-focused cooperation and communication with its partner.

The province has developed 25 Sino-German technology cooperation platforms to support the region's high-tech industry's development, relating to the pharmaceutical, photovoltaic and aviation port equipment industries.

Some companies have reported breakthroughs in key technology development thanks to support from German partners. Weichai Power has developed a high-power diesel engine by partnering with several leading German diesel engine solutions providers, including Man and Deutz.

In the financial area, the Shandong government signed a memorandum of understanding with Deutsche B?rse Group in 2010 to support Shandong's businesses raising capital in Germany. Six companies had raised a combined 515 million yuan ($75.75 million) in Germany by the end of June.

Significant moments in the past 30 years between Shandong and Bavaria

1987: Shandong province established a sister-state relationship with Bavaria.

2002: Shandong and Bavaria decided to launch the Regional Leaders' Conference to promote communication.

2010: Shandong and Bavaria signed a strategic partnership agreement to strengthen their sister-state relationship.

2017: Officials from Shandong and Bavaria signed an agreement to strengthen the friendship between the two regions.