The Korean business cooperation conference opened on Sept 4 in Qingdao's Chengyang district in eastern Shandong province -- aiming to generate more commercial opportunities between the two sides.

More than 400 representatives from Korean government departments, well-known multinationals such as LG Group, CJ Group and SK Group and influential business organizations were among those attending the event.

Also taking part were officials from China's Ministry of Commerce, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Qingdao municipal government and Chengyang district government -- as well as representatives from domestic business giants like Huawei, Inspur, Shenshang and Holding Group.

The three-day event includes a series of business and trade promotion activities, inspection tours and forums.

Themed on "win-win cooperation", the conference is designed to build a city and industry cooperation platform between China and South Korea.

Officials said this would give full play to their respective advantages in resources, products, technologies, markets and global sales networks -- as well as promote cultural exchanges and industrial cooperation between the two sides.

Chengyang district and South Korea enjoy frequent top-level exchanges and sound cooperation in the economy, trade, culture and education. The direct air route linking Chengyang and Seoul takes only one hour and there are 40 flights daily.

Officials said Chengyang has established friendly cooperative relations with a dozen  areas in South Korea. The South Korean consulate general in Qingdao is located in the district.

According to official data, more than 35,000 Koreans live and work in Chengyang and there are 360 Korean catering companies there.

More than 4,500 South Korean-funded enterprises have invested and developed in the district and it is one of the main agglomeration areas for South Korean investment.

Representatives sign a cooperation agreement for the China-ROK City Development Alliance on Sept 4 in Chengyang district in Qingdao, Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The foundation stone laying ceremony for the new campus of the Qingdao Chungwoon Korean School is held on Sept 4 in Chengyang district of Qingdao, Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]