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The 6th Qingdao Multinationals Summit: A Platform for Global Cooperation

On June 19, 2025, the 6th Qingdao Multinationals Summit (QMS) commenced in the vibrant city of Qingdao, located in Shandong province, China. This significant event welcomed 570 delegates hailing from 465 multinational companies, illustrating a robust commitment to fostering international business ties.

With more than 50% of the participants coming from emerging market nations, the summit underscored the growing importance of global collaboration. Under the banner of “Multinationals and China Connecting the World for Win-Win Cooperation,” the summit hosted various forums and activities aimed at promoting meaningful engagement among businesses from different sectors and regions.

Forums and Key Activities

The summit featured multiple thematic forums:
1. Overseas Fund Investment Cooperation Forum
2. General Aviation and Low-Altitude Economy Development Forum
3. “AI+” High-Quality Development Forum
4. Silver Economy Forum

These forums addressed critical topics surrounding investment opportunities and strategies for cooperation, particularly focusing on the sectors highlighted in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

One noteworthy highlight of the summit was the launch of the China-Central Asia Fund. This significant national-level strategic fund aims directly at strengthening investment relationships between China and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member countries, injecting a new wave of momentum into bilateral investments. This initiative reflects the Chinese government’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with countries along the Belt and Road, fostering a spirit of mutual growth and development.

Insights from Key Reports

During this summit, the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation (CAITEC), a branch of the Ministry of Commerce, disseminated its latest report: “Multinational Corporations in China: Investing in the Future for Win-Win Development.” The report identified seven pivotal opportunities for foreign enterprises eying investments in China:

• - Stable policy environment
• - Comprehensive open framework
• - High-level security guarantees
• - Convergence of consumer demand and robust supply chains
• - Investment facilitation and targeted services
• - New avenues in the digital economy

These insights provide a roadmap for multinational companies aiming to enhance their operational efficiency and core competence within China’s dynamic market.

A Business-Friendly Environment

The Qingdao Multinationals Summit serves a dual purpose – it is not only a meeting ground for dialogue but also functions as a critical conduit for policy exchange. Emphasizing its role as a global business hub, Qingdao showcased its dedication to an open economy and a conducive business environment, characterized by efficient urban services and a vital role in global supply chains.

Moreover, China's Ministry of Commerce announced plans to expedite foreign-funded pilot projects across various sectors, including cloud computing and biotechnology. There are also intentions to expand the Catalogue of Industries Encouraging Foreign Investment, and to promote policies related to reinvestments, effectively shifting the focus from merely competing for investments to enhancing quality and strengthening industrial supply chains.

Looking Forward

As the summit progressed, the overarching theme reiterated the importance of attracting high-quality investments that empower sustainable development and bolster economic growth. By exploring new productive forces, China aims to foster an environment ripe for innovation and elevated competitiveness.

In conclusion, the 6th Qingdao Multinationals Summit not only marked a pivotal moment for multinational companies seeking connections in China but also exemplified the nation’s strategic pivot towards fostering international partnerships and driving forward a shared philosophy of growth and mutual benefit. The implications of this summit will resonate well beyond the immediate gatherings as businesses continue to explore collaborative pathways in an increasingly interconnected world.