Over the course of eight years, the China International Import Expo (CIIE) has become a vital catalyst for Qingdao's integration into the global economy, with the city's delegation consistently transforming exhibition opportunities into long-term strategic partnerships.

Global industry leaders like AstraZeneca, Tenaris, and Nestlé exemplify this trend. AstraZeneca announced a new $136 million expansion in Qingdao's high-tech zone to boost inhaler production capacity. Tenaris celebrated 20 years in Qingdao, evolving into a comprehensive manufacturing hub through eight successive investments. Nestlé and Danone continue deepening their local footprints, with Nestlé's Laixi plant now a key production base across multiple continents.

Kais Marzouki, chairman & CEO of Nestle Greater China Region, stated that Nestlé remains firmly committed to the Chinese market. The company will continue leveraging global resources to introduce more innovative products and services into China, moving in step with the Chinese economy.

The expo's appeal extends beyond multinationals. Enterprises from the China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Zone and Sino-German Ecopark traders leveraged the platform to promote specialized products to the global audience, from Iranian saffron to German health brands. Meanwhile, first-time exhibitors like Canadian brand Dropship chose Qingdao as their Chinese launchpad after pre-expo matchmaking.

The expo reflects Qingdao's sustained commitment to creation a business-friendly ecosystem. As the city reaffirmed at the 2025 Shandong-Multinationals Industrial Ecosystem Partnership Dialogue, it continues to hone a market-oriented, law-based, and international business environment.

Qingdao's CIIE story is ultimately one of reciprocal growth — where global innovation meets local dynamism, creating a compelling narrative of open development and shared prosperity.

AstraZeneca announces a new $136 million expansion in Qingdao's high-tech zone to boost inhaler production capacity. [Photo/Guanhai News]