Strengthen Friendship and Trust to Build a Better Weifang Through Open Cooperation

To implement the guiding principles of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and the important speech of General Secretary Xi Jinping during his inspection of Shandong, and to create a new highland of higher-standard opening-up, from September 7 to 14, Secretary of Municipal Party Committee Liu Yun was invited to lead a delegation to Germany and Japan for economic and trade negotiations. They visited local governments, relevant departments, China's overseas institutions, business associations, and multinational companies, actively promoting Weifang's resource endowments, prominent advantages, and development opportunities, consolidating friendship, enhancing mutual trust, expanding exchanges, and deepening cooperation, to build a better Weifang through high-standard opening-up.

In Germany, the delegation visited KION Group, Dana-REINZ-Dichtungs-GmbH, and Infineon Technologies, and met with Chairman Hans Peter Ring of the Supervisory Board and CEO Rob Smith of KION Group, Global Senior Vice President Antonio Valencia of Dana, and Executive Vice President Alexander Gorski of Infineon, among other senior executives. They witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements between German companies and Chenming Group and GoerTek Company. Liu Yun stated that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Germany. The industrial and supply chains of both countries are deeply intertwined, and the markets are highly dependent on each other, providing a solid foundation and great potential for cooperation. Weifang attaches great importance to economic, trade and cultural exchanges with Germany, hoping that enterprises from both sides will strengthen cooperation to achieve more fruitful results and promote green, low-carbon, high-quality development. Liu Yun attended the China (Weifang)-Germany Economic and Trade Fair, engaging in in-depth discussions with the German Shandong Chamber of Commerce, the German Weifang Chamber of Commerce, leaders of member companies, and overseas Chinese in Germany. Liu Yun noted that the German Shandong Chamber of Commerce has always been committed to promoting extensive cooperation between Shandong and Germany, making positive contributions to conveying China's voice and expanding China-Germany economic and trade exchanges. He expressed hope that the German Shandong Chamber of Commerce, the German Weifang Chamber of Commerce, and overseas Chinese leaders and entrepreneurs would leverage their extensive networks and ability to connect China and foreign countries to facilitate cooperation and exchanges between Weifang and Germany. They can help link resources, introduce projects, and promote Weifang more vigorously, with the expectation that more German enterprises and talents will come to and invest in Weifang.

During the visit to Germany, the delegation also paid a visit to Huang Yiyang, the Chinese Consul General in Frankfurt, to discuss deepening practical cooperation between Weifang and Germany in economic and trade, industrial, and other fields. At the German branch of the China Minutes, the delegation visited President Hu Xudong, and they had in-depth exchanges on strengthening international communication, telling the story of Weifang, and spreading the voice of Weifang. Freising in Bavaria, Germany, is the first sister city established by Weifang in Europe. The delegation visited Commissioner Helmut Petz of Freising to discuss enhancing friendship between the two places, expanding cultural exchanges, and economic and trade cooperation. The delegation also held discussions with Schiller, Deputy Director of the International Department at the Bavarian State Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Tourism, Willy Lange, President of the Germany-Chinese Cooperation and Exchange Association, and Dr. Georg Malterer, Mayor of Bernried town, to exchange experiences in rural construction and explore practical cooperation in agriculture, forestry, and cultural tourism.

In Japan, the delegation visited the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and met with Director Takahiro Takashima to coordinate the joint hosting of the 2024 China-Japan-Korea Industrial Cooperation Development Forum. Liu Yun expressed his hope that JETRO would connect more Japanese enterprises to visit, invest, and operate in Weifang, assisting the city in linking more resources and achieving win-win development through cooperation. During the visit to President Yasushi Akune of the New Japan Survryors and Sworn Measurers Association (SK), Liu Yun pointed out that Japan is an important agricultural trade partner for Weifang and its largest market for agricultural product exports. He expressed hope for broader and higher-level cooperation with SK to inject strong momentum into promoting international agricultural trade between China and Japan and ensuring food safety.

During the visit to Japan, the delegation met with Wu Jianghao, the Chinese Ambassador to Japan, and the two sides discussed advancing deep cooperation between Weifang and Japan in areas such as economic and trade relations, modern agriculture, and advanced manufacturing. Wu Jianghao stated that Weifang has a strong industrial foundation, rich cultural heritage, and robust economic vitality, and the embassy is willing to support Weifang in expanding its exchanges and cooperation with Japan. The delegation engaged in discussions with Senator Matsushita Shimpei; Nagata Tetsuji, Vice President of the Tokyo Japan-China Friendship Association; Kiyomizu Seno, Chairman of the Japan-China Association; Chairman He Naihe and President He Delun of the All-Japan Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations, and President Hederun He, introducing Weifang's achievements, industrial advantages, and favorable policies. They held talks with Feng Wuyong, President of Xinhua News Agency's Tokyo Bureau, and Soseki Ozaki, President of the Japan Seal Engraving Association, to explore cooperation in international communication and cultural exchanges, culminating in a seal donation ceremony. They also visited Atsushi Omatsu, President of Nikken Sekkei, and Tadaaki Murao, Executive Director and Global Design Representative, to discuss urban renewal and planning enhancement, while conducting research on Tokyo's integrated industry-urban demonstration projects. The delegation visited Sony and conducted research at GoerTek Technology Japan Co., Ltd., discussing corporate development, local market demands, and promoting deeper cooperation with the Japanese side.

Liu Yun attended the China (Weifang)-Japan Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference and delivered a speech. He noted that Weifang and Japan, though separated by the sea, are geographically close and commercially connected, with a long history of economic and trade exchanges and a solid foundation for cooperation. Driven by reform and opening up, Weifang is building itself into a better Weifang with strong capabilities, high quality, and enhanced living conditions at a faster pace. Their potential for deepening cooperation, integrating industries, and achieving mutual benefit between both sides is vast. He warmly welcomed everyone to visit Weifang for on-site inspections, investment, and business opportunities, seeking greater development through win-win cooperation. With the utmost sincerity, best service, and strongest guarantees, Weifang will foster a first-class business environment, enabling investors to focus on business development, invest with confidence, and grow with peace of mind. Attendees include Luo Xiaomei, Minister of the Chinese Embassy in Japan; Takahiro Takashima, Director of JETRO; Shi Ming, Chief Representative of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Representative Office in Japan; Gakushu Takamizawa, Director and Head of the Research Department of the Japan-China Economic Association; Ju Dongying, Chairman of the Japan-China Science, Technology and Culture Center and President of the Weifang General Chamber of Commerce in Japan; Masatada Kohara, Head of the Transaction Banking Department of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Bank; and relevant responsible officials of the Shandong Provincial Economic and Trade Representative Office in Japan. Several cooperation agreements were also signed at the meeting.