The Second Korea (Shandong) Import Expo Successfully Held in Weihai

Weihai, China - The Second Korea (Shandong) Import Expo was recently held in Weihai, show casing the city's long-standing history of economic and trade exchanges with South Korea. These exchanges can be traced back more than 1200 years ago when Zhang Bogao, a Silla man, initiated trade relations with Weihai and established Chisan Hwawon in the Shidao district. This cultural exchange continues to thrive today.

Even before the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between China and South Korea, Weihai had already established its first passenger sea route to South Korea, high lighting the city's early commitment to international engagement. Weihai's openness to the world has consistently been one of its key advantages, potentials, and aspirations, forming an integral part of its "city gene."

The successful Second Korea (Shandong) Import Expo further reinforces Weihai's commitment to fostering economic and trade cooperation with South Korea. By showcasing a diverse range of import products and facilitating business connections, the expo serves as a platform for strengthening bilateral relations and promoting mutual prosperity.

Weihai's rich history, coupled with its ongoing dedication to openness and international cooperation, positions the city as a dynamic hub for economic development and cultural exchange.

（Weihai international Airport）

Weihai's International Development Strategy

In recent years, Weihai has embarked on a comprehensive international development strategy aimed at enhancing its global presence and influence. The city has introduced several key initiatives and regulations to promote internationalization and create an environment conducive to international cooperation.

One notable step was the implementation of the "Regulations on the Promotion of Internationalization of Weihai City," the first local regulation of its kind in Shandong Province. These regulations outline the specific measures and guidelines to foster internationalization across various sectors in Weihai.

To create an internationalized language environment, Weihai formulated the "Implementation Plan for the Construction of Internationalized Language Environment of Weihai City." This plan focuses on enhancing language proficiency and communication skills, ensuring that Weihai residents and businesses are equipped with the necessary language capabilities for engaging with international partners.

Recognizing the importance of expert advice and guidance, Weihai established the Mayor's International Economic Advisory Committee. Comprising prominent experts and business leaders, this committee provides valuable insights and recommendations on international economic matters, guiding Weihai's strategic decisions.

Weihai has also organized the "Weihai International Week" series of activities to showcase its international appeal. These events serve as platforms for cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and international networking. Additionally, the construction of the Weihai City Living Room provides a dedicated space to host international events and exhibitions, further promoting Weihai as a vibrant and attractive destination.

Furthermore, Weihai is actively pursuing the development of an international coastal leisure and vacation tourism destination. By leveraging its coastal resources and enhancing tourism infrastructure, Weihai aims to attract international visitors and establish itself as a renowned leisure destination on the global stage.

Through these initiatives, Weihai aims to enhance its international visibility and influence, foster international cooperation, and position itself as a dynamic city with a global outlook.

Weihai has emerged as a key player in economic cooperation and trade, particularly with South Korea, demonstrating its commitment to international collaboration. In 2015, Weihai and the Incheon Free Economic Zone of South Korea were designated as a demonstration zone for local economic cooperation within the China-Korea Free Trade Zone. Weihai holds the distinction of being the first and only Chinese city included in this international bilateral Free Trade Agreement.

Building on this milestone, Weihai has been recognized as a national pilot city for innovative development of trade in services and a national comprehensive pilot zone for cross-border e-commerce. These designations affirm Weihai's strategic focus on driving innovation, promoting trade facilitation, and leveraging the potential of cross-border e-commerce platforms.

Currently, Weihai boasts a significant presence of foreign-invested enterprises, with nearly 1,700 such companies operating within its borders. This achievement places Weihai as the third highest city in terms of foreign investment within Shandong Province. Additionally, the city is home to nearly 5,000 foreign trade enterprises actively engaged in import and export activities, solidifying its position as a leading contributor to the province's foreign trade export performance.

Weihai's success in attracting foreign investment and fostering a vibrant trade ecosystem underscores its attractive business environment and favorable economic conditions. The city's dedication to international cooperation and its active participation in the China-Korea Free Trade Zone have propelled its economic growth and contributed to its prominent position in regional and national trade networks.

Unique Geolocation Advantages of Weihai

Weihai boasts unique geolocation advantages that have contributed to its economic development and strategic positioning. In recent years, the city has pioneered the innovative "four-port linkage" development model between Weihai and Incheon, which has been recognized by the Ministry of Commerce as a groundbreaking initiative in local economic cooperation between China and Korea.

By leveraging the seaports and airports of both Weihai and Incheon, Weihai has harnessed the advantages of efficient transportation and streamlined customs clearance services among the "four ports." This integration has facilitated the seamless and coordinated development of logistics between the two regions, establishing Weihai and Incheon as key hubs for the golden logistics channel between China and Korea.

The signing of a memorandum of understanding on the trial operation of China-Korea trucking signifies an important milestone. This agreement enables Korean trucks to reach Weihai port via ro-ro passenger ships, allowing for direct departure from the port to the logistics park in Weihai. This innovative approach, characterized by "sea price, air speed," significantly enhances logistics efficiency and reinforces Weihai's position as the "international logistics hub of Northeast Asia."

The excellent industrial infrastructure and conditions of Weihai

Building upon its foundational industrial resources, Weihai has prioritized the cultivation of seven major industrial clusters for future development. These clusters encompass new-generation information technology, new medicine and medical equipment, advanced equipment and intelligent manufacturing, carbon fiber and other composite materials, marine biology and health food, fashion and leisure sports products, as well as recreation and tourism. The aim is to foster the growth of competitive industries such as medical equipment, printing equipment, carbon fiber, special-purpose vehicles, marine food, ships, textiles and garments, electric motors, tires, and fishing tackle.

Weihai has successfully attracted prominent companies including Fortune 500 companies like Hewlett-Packard, Jabil, and Foxconn, as well as industry leaders like Bekaert, Boyu, Marquardt, and Borg. Furthermore, Weihai's Kaitai Sports Products has gained recognition for its production of ice and snow sports equipment, which showcased during the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Weihai's strategic location, combined with its ability to attract leading enterprises and foster competitive industrial clusters, positions the city as a dynamic economic powerhouse in the region.

Source: Weihai Radio and Television,edited by WEIHAI.EU