Crossing Miles in Search of Partners: Jinan Promotes a New Hub for International Cooperation in Nanshan
Recently, a cross-regional industrial “handshake” spanning thousands of miles was sealed in Nanshan, Shenzhen.
At the Shenzhen Bay Eco-Tech Park, the “New Start, Shared Success in Going Global” — China-Singapore Jinan Future Industrial City International Development Promotion Conference attracted enterprises and investment institutions from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, where participants discussed industrial collaboration and explored global expansion opportunities.
China-Singapore Collaboration: Building a New International Industrial City
As a key component of the Jinan New and Old Kinetic Energy Conversion Start-up Area approved by the State Council, the China-Singapore Jinan Future Industrial City covers a planned area of 66 square kilometres. It is also a major project supported under the Outline of Ecological Protection and High-Quality Development of the Yellow River Basin. Focusing on three core sectors—future information, future space, and future energy—the project is building a “3+X” future industrial system, aiming to set a new benchmark for high-quality, forward-looking cooperation between China and Singapore.
At the conference, China-Singapore (Jinan) Urban Development Co., Ltd. introduced the background of the joint venture and the operational model of the Shandong (Singapore) Enterprise Service Center. According to its representative, the centre—jointly established by the Jinan Start-up Area Administrative Committee, Jinan First Investment Group, and Singapore’s Keppel Group—serves as a light-asset platform for international cooperation. It provides over 100 services, including business registration, policy application, digital transformation, and overseas expansion, forming a two-way empowerment platform that facilitates both “bringing in” and “going global.”
Industrial Synergy: Coordinated Development of Jinan’s Dual Zones
During the promotion, the Office of Cooperation and Exchange under the Industrial Promotion Department of the Jinan Start-up Area highlighted that the area has established a “1+4+16+N” planning system, with infrastructure such as cross-river transportation, green buildings, and smart digital scenarios rapidly taking shape. Leading enterprises including BYD, Aiko Solar, State Power Investment Corporation, and Shandong Energy Group have already established a presence, forming industrial clusters in new energy vehicle manufacturing, solar cells, and related sectors.
The Jibei Economic Development Zone then introduced the Cross-Strait New and Old Kinetic Energy Conversion Industrial Cooperation Zone. Closely linked geographically and industrially with the Start-up Area, it has developed characteristic clusters in food and beverage, intelligent manufacturing, and specialty foods. The zone has attracted 326 Taiwan-funded and related projects and has maintained a record of “zero complaints from Taiwanese businesses” for 31 consecutive years, becoming a national model for cross-strait cooperation.
Enterprise Insights: Exploring New Paths for Going Global
During the experience-sharing session, Charley Gao, Chairman of CHINA AERO INVESTMENT HOLDINGS (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD., drew on his 28 years of experience in the aviation industry to analyse the potential of general aviation in Southeast Asia and pathways to participate in the “Air Silk Road.” Meanwhile, Zhang Shuihua, Deputy General Manager of Shenzhen Xinyue Biotechnology Co., Ltd., presented the breakthrough application of “AI + DNA-Encoded Library (DEL)” technology in drug development and shared the company’s successful global expansion experience, offering diverse perspectives on internationalisation for both traditional and emerging industries.
Following the event, participating enterprises engaged in in-depth discussions with government departments and platform companies. Many expressed that the Future Industrial City, with its clear planning, targeted policies, and practical platforms, represents a strategic foothold for entering northern markets and expanding international cooperation.
The event was hosted by China-Singapore (Jinan) Urban Development Co., Ltd. and organised by Guangdong Jingyuda Information Consulting Co., Ltd., with representatives from the Jinan Municipal Government’s Shenzhen Office, Jinan Investment Promotion Center, the Jinan Start-up Area, Jibei Economic Development Zone, and related organisations in attendance.
