By Felicia LI
Despite the humid Monday afternoon in Hong Kong, the atmosphere inside the Kerry Hotel's Grand Ballroom was electric — filled with conversation, ambition, and a strong sense of purpose. As I walked through the rows of attendees—business leaders, government officials, and local chamber representatives—I could feel the quiet momentum of something bigger taking shape. The 2025 Qingdao-Hong Kong Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference, held on May 19, was not just another economic forum—it was a reaffirmation of the deepening ties between two of China's most outward-looking cities.
The event, a key component of the 2025 Shandong-Hong Kong-Macao Week, was hosted by the Qingdao Municipal Government and supported by a wide range of Hong Kong business organizations, including InvestHK, HKTDC, the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, and others. High-profile attendees included Geng Tao, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Qingdao Municipal Committee and Vice Mayor of Qingdao; Prof. C.C. Chan, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Honorary Professor at the University of Hong Kong; and senior representatives from major corporations like China Merchants Group, China Resources, and PwC.
As a Hong Kong-based journalist, I've covered many bilateral summits, but what struck me this time was the genuine warmth and mutual respect in the room. Qingdao Vice Mayor Geng Tao's keynote was both strategic and heartfelt. He emphasized Qingdao's robust industrial foundation, unique maritime resources, and its ambition to become a modern international city. More importantly, he laid out five key areas for future collaboration with Hong Kong: tech innovation, international shipping, trade, finance, and cultural tourism. Geng spoke so fluently in the language of win-win cooperation, and this resonated with many in the room. I noticed several Hong Kong entrepreneurs nodding in agreement, perhaps seeing their own ambitions mirrored in Qingdao's evolving landscape.
A Shared Gateway to the World
In his remarks, Lau Chi-yuen, Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion, reminded us that both Hong Kong and Qingdao are gateways to global markets. While Hong Kong offers financial depth and international connectivity, Qingdao brings industrial strength and strategic positioning on China's eastern seaboard. Together, they form a compelling axis of opportunity.
HKTDC's Assistant Executive Director, Stephen Liang, echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence in the synergy between the two cities. He highlighted Hong Kong's strengths in technology, finance, and professional services, suggesting that these could bolster Qingdao's innovation-driven growth.
It was particularly interesting to hear China Merchants Group's Deputy General Manager, Deng Renjie, describe Qingdao as a city "transcending its coastal heritage, now becoming a frontier of innovation and openness." As someone who's visited Qingdao several times, I couldn't agree more. It's not just a beautiful coastal city anymore—it's a place where global capital and Chinese innovation are converging.
Beyond Speeches: Real Deals, Real Momentum
This wasn't just talk. Eleven major projects were signed during the Shandong Week, with a total investment of US$1.44 billion. Several of these deals—focused on high-end equipment, new energy, modern finance, and biomedicine—were finalized during the conference itself.
Standing at the back of the room, notebook in hand, I caught a glimpse of the future—not just for Qingdao and Hong Kong, but for the Greater Bay Area as a whole. As regional integration deepens, Hong Kong isn't just a bridge to the world—it's becoming a full partner in shaping China's next phase of global engagement.
Over the next few days, the Qingdao delegation will visit leading Hong Kong enterprises like China State Construction, China Power, Swire Group, and China Travel Service. These aren't just courtesy calls; they're part of a broader strategy to embed long-term cooperation in real projects and mutual commitments.
Personal Reflection: A Hong Kong Perspective
As someone who has lived in Hong Kong for many years, I've often seen our city's role as a connector—between East and West, tradition and innovation. But what I witnessed today felt different. There is a quiet shift happening: Hong Kong is no longer just the middleman—it is becoming a co-creator.
And perhaps that's the most hopeful takeaway from the conference. In a world where borders harden and trust becomes rare currency, the relationship between Qingdao and Hong Kong shows that cities can still lead with openness, vision, and mutual respect.
In the end, it wasn't just an economic exchange—it was a shared commitment to the future.
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