Qingdao takes center stage at world expo

The China pavilion at the Expo 2017 in Astana, Kazakhstan, attracts a great number of visitors. Photos Provided to China Daily

Qingdao rightly took center stage for one shining moment at the Expo 2017 - the international show held recently in Kazakhstan's capital city, Astana.

Sept 7 was designated as Qingdao Day for the city in Shandong province at the event, which ran from June 10 to Sept 10.

As one of the first batch of Chinese cities to implement the policy of reform and opening-up, Qingdao is seen as a key link to the Asia-Europe economic corridor and maritime cooperation.

That's according to Wang Jinzhen, vice-chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, who was talking at the celebration ceremony.

"Qingdao is a coastal city of great charm. It has well-preserved red-roofed buildings dominating its skyline amid green foliage, all against a backdrop of a clear sea and sky," Wang said.

He said the city government has long valued international expos as a promotional platform.

"Qingdao has participated in expos in Japan's Aichi, South Korea's Yeosu, and Italy's Milan, which has greatly promoted the city's exchanges with the countries and regions and its image and reputation worldwide," Wang added.

"Together with the Belt and Road Initiative, Expo 2017 provides opportunities to learn about Qingdao and helps the city to better integrate into the world."

Feng Wenqing, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Qingdao Sub-council, said his city has won international acclaim for its rich history, wealth of cultural heritage and picturesque coastal landscape.

The city is home to a group of noted brands, including Haier, Hisense and Aucma home appliances, Double Star tyre and the iconic Tsingtao beer.

One of China's five major ports focusing on foreign trade shipments, Qingdao Port has links with more than 700 destinations in over 180 countries and regions.

The leading industry players and the bustling port helped the city to generate more than 1 trillion yuan ($153 billion) in GDP last year.

"Thanks to the expo, Qingdao has showcased its progress and achievements in energy, research, trade and culture," Feng said.

"Meanwhile, it made full use of the event to learn technological expertise from other countries, to promote cooperation and realize mutually beneficial development."

With its theme of "Future Energy and Green Silk Road", the Qingdao Day attracted more than 70 government officials, representatives of international organizations and trade associations, and corporate executives.

Feng briefed visitors on Qingdao's opening-up and investment environment, as well as its industries, maritime research, trade and tourism.

Representatives from Kazakhstan said they look forward to cooperation with Qingdao in the fields of technology, culture and tourism.

Attendees included Talgat Doskenov, vice-chairman of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan, and Aidyn Baiedilov, general director of the Kazakhstan Investment Cooperation Agency.

Kazakhstan values close cooperation with China in tourism, Doskenov said, adding that he expected a tourism agreement to be reached between the two sides during Qingdao Day.

He said the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan will campaign for easier access to infrastructure and business services, as well as visa services.

Baiedilov said he was impressed with Qingdao, which has strong tourism, ports and manufacturing sectors and is home to a wealth of leading companies.

Qingdao Day provided opportunities for businesspeople from various countries to explore cooperative possibilities, he added.

(China Daily 09/11/2017 page24)