A forum on Shandong's transition to a new economic growth model and the opening-up of the Shandong's economy is held in Jinan, capital of Shandong province on Sept 20. [Photo/WeChat account: yt6666001]

Senior representatives from more than 30 multinational companies attended a high-level business dialogue in Jinan, Shandong province on Sept 20.

Co-hosted by the Department of Commerce of Shandong Province and American Chamber of Commerce in China, the event included a forum on Shandong's transition to a new economic growth model and the opening-up of the Shandong's economy.

The attendees worked in sectors such as energy, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and agriculture, manufacturing, and industrial equipment.

Eric Hirsch, regional director and head of markets at JLL — a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management — was one of those who appreciated the opportunity the forum provided.

"JLL is already well established in Shandong, but this event really opened up new doors for us and helped strengthen our relationships here," he said.

AmCham China Chairman William Zarit said that closer cooperation would benefit local businesses as well as American companies.

Provincial leaders and mayors of all 17 cities in Shandong also attended the event.

Zhang Yongxia, mayor of Yantai, met with Zarit and briefed him on Yantai's investment environment, key industries and favorable policies.

The mayor also expressed her eagerness for cooperation with more US-based multinational companies.

Zhang Yongxia, mayor of Yantai, meets with AmCham China Chairman William Zarit and briefs him on Yantai's investment environment, key industries and favorable policies at a forum in Jinan, Shandong province on Sept 20. [Photo/WeChat account: yt6666001]