East China's Shandong Province looks to go global

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East China's Shandong Province was known as an important region in Chinese ancient civilization and nowadays the region has one of the most developed economies in China, and it is looking to further expand its cooperation with the rest of the world.

Many ancient Chinese thinkers were born in Shandong, including Confucius.

"Thoughts emphasizing harmony and coexistence are deeply rooted in Chinese culture," Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minsiter Wang Yi talks during a worldwide promotional event for Shandong Province in Beijing, Sept. 20, 2018. /Chinese Foreign Ministry Photo

"These thoughts have been given connotations of the new era. Today's China is actively pushing forward new types of international relationship," Wang added. "China is willing to work with all parties and jointly build a community of shared future for mankind."

Wang made the remarks in Beijing during a worldwide promotional event for Shandong Province, entitled "China in the new era: New impetus, new Shandong, a win-win world."

The eastern Chinese province has accomplished great achievements in the 40 years since China's opening up and reform began.

In 2017, its GDP exceeded 7.2 trillion yuan - about 1.1 trillion US dollars - with an average increase rate of 11.5 percent year-on-year.

In addition, as a major agricultural province of China, Shandong's agriculture accounts for 24 percent of the total exports. The region is working to further advance its innovative ability and competitiveness.

Fiji's Ambassador to China Manasa Tagicakibau, who was at the event, told CGTN that they hope to further cooperate with Shandong Province in developing farming products.

"We know Shandong is strong in agricultural sector, so we will talk to them (Shangdong officials) and see how best [we can accomplish] exchanges," Tagicakibau said.

The Fijian ambassador also expressed his hope to deepen ties at a "softer" level, like sports.

"We have a [British] football team from Shandong. They are visiting Fiji now," he said.