Shanxi expands intl economic, cultural exchanges

Shanxi province has seen increased economic, trade, and cultural exchanges as well as a growing atmosphere of openness.

Shanxi has streamlined its procedures for the establishment of foreign-funded enterprises. So far, 103 foreign-funded businesses have been set up in Shanxi by Fortune Global 500 enterprises. 

The province has established an international capacity cooperation project database, formulated the Development Plan for International Capacity Cooperation in Key Industries in Shanxi Province, and formed a strategic cooperation alliance for Shanxi enterprises to go global.

By the end of 2022, Shanxi enterprises had directly invested $2.55 billion into 49 countries and regions.

In terms of industrial cooperation platforms, Shanxi has established the Changzhi High-tech Industrial Development Zone, an RCEP International Cooperation Industrial Park in the Shanxi Transformation and Comprehensive Reform Demonstration Zone, and the Belt and Road (Qixian) Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Special Industrial Cooperation Zone. These platforms serve as hosts for the transfer of industries from Southeast Asia, and Japan and South Korea.

As for infrastructure connectivity, Shanxi has constructed an aviation logistics channel centered around Taiyuan, road logistics channels to Horgos (Alashankou), Ereenhot, and Manzhouli, regularly launched new China-Europe and China-Central Asia international logistics routes, and implemented railway-sea combined transport services to Tianjin Port, Zhoushan Port, and Rizhao Port. 

When it came to ports and open platforms, the province currently has three airports in Taiyuan, Datong, and Yuncheng, as well as one temporary airport. In 2021, the Taiyuan-San Francisco air freight route was opened. 

Since 2013, it has established one comprehensive bonded zone, three type-B bonded logistics centers, and three designated inspection sites for imported fruits and frozen aquatic products, imported meat, and national grain quarantine and testing.

Exhibitions and events with international influence, such as the Taiyuan Energy Low-carbon Development Forum, the Pingyao International Photography Festival, and the China Xinghuacun International Alcoholic Drinks Expo, have been organized and held in the province regularly. 

Furthermore, people-to-people exchanges have become increasingly active. Currently, Shanxi has established international friendly provincial-state (city) relationships with counterparts in 24 countries. It has also established friendly cooperation partnerships with 39 countries. 

Shanxi has also participated in extensive international cooperation exchanges in the fields of scientific and technological innovation, public health, cultural exchanges, education, agriculture, and sports.