Fresh from the Spring Festival holiday, the construction site of Almatis in the Qingdao Area of the China (Shandong) Pilot Free Trade Zone (Qingdao FTZ) is already full of activity.

This established German company recently completed its fourth capital increase and expansion, highlighting the Qingdao FTZ's strategic shift from focusing on investment quantity to emphasizing industrial quality.

Throughout the Phase IV expansion — from site evaluation in 2023 to its official launch in August 2025 — the Qingdao FTZ provided thorough support. By streamlining land supply, environmental approvals, and infrastructure development, the zone assisted Almatis in overcoming obstacles in financing and international logistics.

Scheduled for trial operation in late 2026, the new project will use advanced calcination and grinding processes. It aims to double production capacity while focusing on high-end sectors such as semiconductors, new energy, and advanced ceramics.

The success of Almatis has confirmed a mature industrial ecosystem, now home to 70 enterprises from German-speaking regions, including the 2025 arrival of Weiss Chemie's China headquarters.

However, the Qingdao FTZ's ambitions reach far beyond Europe. In 2025, investment teams conducted 51 promotional events and visited over 800 companies across Japan, South Korea, Germany, and France. By integrating international innovation elements and hosting specialized industrial forums, the Qingdao FTZ is creating a global economic corridor that connects local manufacturing with world-class expertise.

Aerial view of the Qingdao Area of the China (Shandong) Pilot Free Trade Zone (Qingdao FTZ). [Photo/Guanhai News]