JINAN, China, Nov. 19, 2024 — A conference titled “Dialogue with BRICS – Shandong Enterprise Innovation and Development Conference” convened in Jinan on November 14th, hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shandong Sub-council. Themed “Work Together for Common Development,” the event drew participants from over 10 countries, including the UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil, representing embassies, business associations, and companies. The focus was on practical cooperation and exploring a “Shandong Model” for enhanced economic and trade ties with BRICS nations. This initiative aims to foster stronger, more substantial trade relationships between Shandong Province and BRICS countries, ultimately creating a new framework for consistent collaboration with BRICS business communities.

  

Jim O’Neill, former UK Treasury Minister, former Goldman Sachs chief economist, and the term “BRICS” originator, provided a video message. Keynote addresses were delivered by Jean Felipe Celestino Gouhie (Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply chief representative in China); Abdulla Albasha Alnoaimi (UAE Embassy in China commercial counselor and UAE Ministry of Economy representative); and Jalaluddin bin Alias (senior member of Malaysia’s Negeri Sembilan State Executive Council).

During presentations, Meng Xiangdong (chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shandong Sub-council) highlighted Shandong Province’s new high-quality development opportunities. Discussions covered industrial digital transformation, artificial intelligence, digital banking and currency, and cross-border payments.

The event included one-on-one business matchmaking sessions concentrating on international trade, cross-border e-commerce, logistics and warehousing, food processing, financial trusts, biotechnology, and manufacturing machinery. Over 150 companies from China and elsewhere participated in targeted discussions.

The BRICS cooperation mechanism provides a key platform for emerging markets and developing countries to strengthen unity and protect shared interests. On January 1, 2024, the BRICS mechanism expanded to include 10 member countries. BRICS nations currently represent over one-fifth of global trade. In the first three quarters of 2024, Shandong’s trade with the other nine BRICS countries reached 449.32 billion yuan, representing 18.1% of the province’s total trade.

Source: China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shandong Sub-council

CONTACT: Contact person: Ms. Zhang, Tel: 86-10-63074558