The 7th Qingdao Multinationals Summit (QMS) opened in Qingdao on June 16, 2026, bringing together 357 multinationals from 44 countries and regions to discuss cooperation under China's 15th Five-Year Plan. Co-hosted by the Shandong Provincial People's Government and the Ministry of Commerce, the summit runs from June 15 to 17. The event features 105 Fortune Global 500 companies and 252 industry leaders, with modern service sector firms accounting for a record 20% of all participants.

Themed "Multinationals and China — Advancing with the 15th Five-Year Plan for Innovation and Future," the summit comprises three main segments: the Opening Ceremony and Main Forum, bilateral meetings, and parallel forums. A total of 29 supporting activities are scheduled. The event aims to help multinationals integrate into China's industrial, supply, and innovation chains, sharing benefits from its vast market and institutional opening-up.

Key Initiatives and Regional Cooperation

The summit introduces the first-ever Country & Enterprise Day to foster global cooperation. Marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Türkiye, the event features the inaugural 2026 China (Shandong)-Türkiye Exchange Day. Additionally, a matchmaking session focusing on housing and urban-rural development between Shandong and ASEAN nations aims to chart new courses for infrastructure cooperation.

To enhance regional coordination, the summit continues its Guest Province mechanism by inviting Sichuan Province. A tailored equity cooperation platform featuring an "industry-finance-services" model was also launched to drive integration between the service sector and the real economy.

Corporate Engagement and Policy Focus

Executives from leading multinationals such as Louis Dreyfus, AstraZeneca, ZF, Accenture, and Bekaert gathered for the 2026 Qingdao International City Partner Dialogue. Discussions centered on "Strengthening Sci-Tech Innovation and Deepening Opening-up and Cooperation," concluding with an on-site signing ceremony for two-way investment projects.

The Ministry of Commerce announced plans to implement pilot opening initiatives in value-added telecommunications, biotechnology, and wholly foreign-owned hospitals. Shandong province unveiled its Ten Major Partnership Initiatives, which include opening-up pilots in Qingdao, facilitating cross-border equity mergers and acquisitions, and expanding Qualified Foreign Limited Partner (QFLP) operations.

Summit Participation Overview