Jinan conference boosts Shandong, BRICS cooperation

The Dialogue with BRICS – Shandong Enterprise Innovation and Development Conference was held in Jinan, capital of Shandong province, on Nov 10, providing a high-level platform for exchange and cooperation.

Hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shandong Sub-council, the event brought together more than 400 participants, including representatives from 180 domestic enterprises, more than 50 business organizations, and companies from over 30 countries and regions, such as Brazil, Russia, and South Africa.

The conference featured more than 500 one-on-one business matching sessions, with a focus on new energy, intelligent manufacturing, and the global expansion of Shandong enterprises. Site visits are scheduled in Dongying, Shandong province.

BRICS countries account for nearly half of the world's population, with a combined GDP representing around 30 percent of the global total and contributing more than 50 percent to global economic growth.

BRICS countries are key trade partners to Shandong, and their cooperation has been fruitful. From January to September, Shandong's imports and exports with Russia reached 176.3 billion yuan ($24.8 billion), up 2.8 percent year-on-year. Trade with Brazil totaled 124.7 billion yuan, marking a 3.2 percent increase than last year, and trade with Saudi Arabia hit 38.4 billion yuan, up 12.9 percent year-on-year.

The event is expected to inject new momentum into cooperation between Shandong and BRICS countries, fostering deeper collaboration across a broader range of fields.