Frankfurt:The 2026 Qingdao-Germany Economic, Trade, Cultural, and Tourism Cooperation Exchange Conference recently took place in Frankfurt, Germany. Hosted by the Information Office of the Qingdao Municipal People’s Government, the event aimed to highlight Qingdao’s open character and favorable business environment while promoting deeper practical cooperation between Qingdao and Germany in various sectors including economic trade, investment, technological innovation, and cultural exchange. The conference sought to attract more German enterprises and talent to invest in and establish a presence in Qingdao.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Gao Fei, vice president of the Deutsch-Chinesischer Handel und Investment Forderverein e. V., emphasized Qingdao’s strategic geographical position and its status as a key hub connecting the Asia-Pacific region with Europe. She noted that Qingdao’s industrial base is robust, with traditional sectors like household appliances and automobiles thriving alongside rapidly growing industries such as artificial intelligence, biomedicine, and new energy.
Participants viewed a promotional video about Qingdao, showcasing the city’s geographical location, cultural heritage, and economic development. The video highlighted Qingdao’s modern metropolis appeal with its distinctive red-tiled roofs, green trees, blue seas, and clear skies.
Michael Borchmann, former director of the Department of International Affairs of the State of Hesse, acknowledged Qingdao’s diverse industrial and trade structure and its significant role as one of the major container hub ports globally. He expressed hope that more German visitors would come to experience Qingdao’s charm firsthand.
Kai Schulz, representing the Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade (BWA), highlighted the complementary strengths of Qingdao and Hesse, with Qingdao’s ports and manufacturing prowess and Hesse’s expertise in finance and aviation. Schulz emphasized the potential for cooperation between the two regions and the association’s commitment to facilitating exchanges and cooperation.
The event also included an exhibition of Qingdao cityscape photographs, enhancing participants’ understanding of the city. Many German attendees expressed interest in visiting Qingdao to explore its beauty, cuisine, and cooperation opportunities.