Shandong business delegations to Japan and South Korea returned home recently with fruitful results, according to the Department of Commerce of Shandong province.

As of Dec 28, 2022, Shandong trade promotion delegations to South Korea had signed 15 contracts with orders totaling $120 million. There were also a total of 21 intended cooperation agreements worth $269 million.

Shandong-based enterprises visiting Japan signed orders or reached cooperation intentions with 40 Japanese customers. Twenty new contracts were signed, with a total contract amount of $26.28 million, and there were a total of 24 intended cooperation agreements worth $263 million.

"Affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, most companies had few opportunities to communicate with customers face-to-face during the past three years. They cherish this opportunity very much to secure more overseas orders," said Zhou Xiangjun, an official from the Department of Commerce of Shandong province. Zhou was also the leader of the Shandong delegation to South Korea.

During their stay in South Korea, the Shandong delegation visited the commercial reference office of the Chinese Embassy in South Korea, the Representative Office of the Investment Promotion Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce in South Korea, and the Tourism Office of China in Seoul, as well as over 70 South Korean enterprises.

"During our stay in South Korea, we signed a series of contracts with local customers. Face-to-face communication helped us win more business orders and fortify commercial ties with local companies," said Hou Yongzhi, chairman of Shandong Guoli Economic and Technical Cooperation Co.

According to Hou, his company signed agricultural export contracts worth $70 million with three organizations during his stay in South Korea.

The Shandong delegation to Japan visited the Japan Trade Organization (JTO), JMA Consultants Inc, Sumitomo Corporation and other business organizations and companies.