Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong province, showcased its strengths in intelligent manufacturing and new energy vehicles (NEVs) at the Seventh Qingdao Multinationals Summit, drawing interest from global business leaders.

The three-day summit, which opened on June 15, brought together representatives from 357 multinational companies from 44 countries and regions. During the Cross-border Cooperation Forum on New Energy Vehicle Industry Chain and Jinan Smart Manufacturing, the city highlighted its rapidly growing industry ecosystem and investment potential.

With annual revenue from its automotive industry exceeding 170 billion yuan ($25.16 billion), Jinan has emerged as a major manufacturing hub. Sinotruk leads global heavy-duty truck sales, while production facilities operated by BYD and Geely continue to expand the city's NEV footprint.

The forum also highlighted Jinan's cooperation with Smart, a premium electric vehicle brand jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz and Geely Holding Group. Earlier this year, Smart established a major project in the city, leveraging Jinan's industrial supply chain, business environment, and policy support to strengthen its global operations.

Beyond manufacturing, Jinan offers a strong foundation for innovation and business development. The city is home to 20 national key laboratories, including the Jinan Institute of Quantum Technology, and benefits from a strategic location linking the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region and the Yangtze River Delta.

Its expanding transport network, including highways, inland waterway transport along the Xiaoqing River, and China-Europe freight train services, further enhances connectivity. Jinan is also home to China's first technological innovation financial reform pilot zone, providing stronger financial support for scientific and technological innovation.

Jinan's skyline. [Photo/VCG]