An outbound investment cooperation matchmaking and training series as part of the Overseas Qingdao program was held in Qingdao West Coast New Area (QWCNA) on the afternoon of May 18. Centered on targeted matchmaking, empowerment and compliance support for overseas expansion, the event helped private businesses go global through policy briefings, experience sharing and resource matching. As Qingdao’s leading economic growth engine, the QWCNA is home to more than 140 existing outbound investment enterprises with operations across more than 40 countries and regions including Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia and Egypt where its actual outbound investment accounted for one quarter of the city’s total last year.

The Qingdao Area of the China (Shandong) Pilot Free Trade Zone has been promoting the Qingdao Enterprises Going Global Integrated Service Port platform to connect live with the Indonesia Comprehensive Service Station, offering local private businesses practical guidance for overseas expansion. Public security authorities provided the participants detailed briefings on exit-entry policies and risk prevention in cross-border employment, while digital solutions for global employment compliance were also introduced. Foreign affairs authorities were also present to explain the application process for the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) consular protection policies as part of their efforts to ensure all-round support for private companies going global.

The QWCNA will continue to use the Year of Work Style Construction as a key driver to advance the development of the Overseas Qingdao initiative to deepen coordination between municipal and district authorities, strengthen government-enterprise collaboration and improve interdepartmental cooperation—all while regular sessions on resource matching, compliance training and experience sharing will be held continuously, in addition to the construction of a comprehensive overseas integrated service platform, to provide local private business with full-chain, targeted services where they can be encouraged to operate lawfully, expand overseas and strengthen their presence in global markets together, supporting Qingdao’s push to take the lead in higher-level opening-up.