Qingdao-ASEAN exchange event strengthens ties with new cooperation initiatives
The 2025 ASEAN-China (Qingdao) Event of Economic and Trade Cooperation and People-to-People Exchanges took place in Qingdao from July 3 to 5. The event included trade promotion sessions, cultural exchange activities, and visits to key Qingdao projects. It attracted over 300 participants from China, ASEAN countries, and international organizations.
During the forum, several cooperation documents were released, such as the Qingdao Initiative and the Qingdao-ASEAN Youth Exchange Program. These initiatives aim to strengthen ties between Qingdao and ASEAN, contributing to a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.
ASEAN, a priority in China's neighborhood diplomacy and a key region for the Belt and Road Initiative, has maintained strong economic ties with Qingdao.
For five consecutive years, ASEAN has been Qingdao's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching 154.33 billion yuan ($21.52 billion) in 2024. This accounts for one-sixth of Qingdao's total foreign trade. Investments between Qingdao and ASEAN remain active, with over 1,400 projects totaling more than $14.5 billion.
Tourism and cultural exchanges have also grown, with ASEAN becoming Qingdao's fastest-growing source of inbound tourists in 2024. The city recorded a 30 percent year-on-year increase in tourists. Qingdao has established sister-city relationships with seven ASEAN cities and launched 15 joint education programs.
Qingdao Port has nearly 50 direct container shipping routes to ASEAN countries, offering daily services. Under the RCEP framework, Qingdao Customs issued 313,000 certificates of origin by the end of 2024, ranking first nationwide.
Qingdao-made products continue to influence ASEAN markets. CRRC's high-speed trains for the Jakarta-Bandung Railway have transformed rail travel in Indonesia. Leading home appliance brands like Haier and Hisense have expanded their presence. Haier operates 11 factories and five industrial parks across ASEAN, while Hisense plans to open a new air conditioner plant in Thailand. Qingdao's tire, textile, and apparel enterprises have also invested heavily in ASEAN, further integrating Qingdao's manufacturing strength into regional supply chains.
The 2025 ASEAN-China (Qingdao) Event of Economic and Trade Cooperation and People-to-People Exchanges is held in Qingdao from July 3 to 5. [Photo/Guanhai News]
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