The 7th Multinationals Summit is underway in Qingdao from June 15 to 17. With the theme "Advancing with the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30) for Innovation and Future", the event comes at a critical moment when global economic uncertainty looms.

So far, 435 corporate representatives have confirmed their attendance. By the end of 2025, 236 Global Fortune 500 companies had invested in 947 projects in Shandong province, with 181 of those companies involved in 424 projects in Qingdao. These figures reflect the city's growing confidence.

This year's summit introduces several new initiatives: a capital matchmaking event between State-owned enterprises and multinationals, industry-focused forums on new energy vehicles, energy storage, modern marine industries, smart agriculture, and high-end chemicals. A special Turkey-Shandong exchange day commemorates the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Sichuan province also participates as a guest of honor, enhancing East-West collaboration.

One-on-one matchmaking will focus on green and digital transitions. A dedicated forum will connect foreign companies with universities and research institutes to address technology bottlenecks. The annual report, Multinationals in China, will be released to examine how innovation and industry integration can reshape global supply chains.

Qingdao has been repeatedly recognized as one of China's most attractive cities for foreign talent and a "golden investment environment" city by the World Bank. As the permanent host, Qingdao is quickly becoming a modern international metropolis, serving as a hub linking domestic and international markets.

The summit is more than a business event; it is a platform for building a collaborative ecosystem where trust can grow. In the first quarter of this year, both the scale of foreign investment and the number of newly established foreign firms in Shandong have risen steadily.

Global business leaders gather in Qingdao at the 7th Multinationals Summit to navigate shared growth amid uncertainty. [Photo/Guanhai News]