A delegation of about 30 representatives from the United States and Canada started a two-day tour in Jinan, the capital city of East China's Shandong province, on Oct 22.

The guests, from the representative offices of 14 states and provinces as well as six organizations from the US and Canada based in China, were invited by the province's Overseas Chinese Affairs Office to seek economic and trade cooperation between Shandong and the two countries.

This was also one of the follow-up activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' campaign to expand the province's global presence.

In his address, Yang Yongbin, the deputy secretary-general of the Jinan municipal government said he looked forward to more integration of economic and trade resources and new opportunities and channels for cooperation between the two sides.

The guests expressed their interest in the city's top 10 industries worth 100 billion yuan ($14.4 billion) and their intention to promote the docking of resources between Jinan and the two countries.

They said they also hoped to enhance cooperation between the two sides in IT, new generation information technology, equipment manufacturing and healthcare.

After the meeting, the delegation visited the development planning exhibition hall of a high-tech zone, as well as a major server maker and big data company in China, Inspur Group, to get a better understanding of the development of the city and explore new opportunities for practical cooperation.

In addition, the delegates appreciated the night view of Daming Lake, a popular tourist destination in Jinan, and a Lyu Opera performance, which offered them an opportunity to experience the city's cultural and natural landscape.

Jinan hosts a meeting to promote investment with delegates from the US and Canada on Oct 22. [Photo/jinan.gov.cn]

The delegates visit the Inspur Group during their tour in Jinan. [Photo/jinan.gov.cn]