The Qingdao delegation was interviewed on Jan 19 during the third session of the 13th Shandong Provincial People's Congress in Jinan, capital of Shandong province.

More than 50 journalists from over 30 media outlets attended the meeting, which lasted nearly four hours.

The Qingdao delegation is interviewed on Jan 19 during the third session of the 13th Shandong Provincial People's Congress in Jinan, capital of Shandong province. [Photo/WeChat account: qdfbwx]

Wang Qingxian, Party secretary of Qingdao, presided over the meeting and gave a brief introduction to the economic and social development of Qingdao.

"2019 was a very significant and extraordinary year for Qingdao's development, as the city is making efforts to become a city with international influence on par with Shenzhen."

Wang said that Qingdao's economy has maintained rapid development and has the strongest economy in Shandong province, adding that a more open, dynamic Qingdao will bring about tremendous development opportunities for investors. 

Wang Qingxian, Party secretary of Qingdao, presides over the meeting. [Photo/WeChat account: qdfbwx]

Last year, Qingdao received permission to build the China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization Demonstration Zone for Local Economic and Trade Cooperation, a new platform for international cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as a part of the China (Shandong) Pilot Free Trade Zone.

Wang said that the coastal city will continue to open up, strengthen international cooperation, and promote high-quality development in the province.

Meng Fanli, mayor of Qingdao, answered a number of questions regarding the achievements and development plan of the Qingdao area of the Shandong FTZ.

Meng Fanli, mayor of Qingdao, answers questions during the meeting. [Photo/WeChat account: qdfbwx]

He said that the Qingdao area of the Shandong FTZ is focused on the development of a modern marine industry, international trade, shipping logistics, modern finance, advanced manufacturing, and other industries, and enjoys strong development momentum.

He also said that the city will focus on cooperation with member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and expand Belt and Road cooperation in a bid to further open China up.