The first UK-Shandong Exchange and Cooperation Week opened in London on Tuesday, bringing together businesses, policymakers, officials and experts from the UK and China's Shandong Province to explore new opportunities for cooperation.

Held under the theme "Trust, Confidence and Future," the event focuses on trade and investment, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, the marine economy, and people-to-people exchanges.

Sun Ximin, vice governor of Shandong Province, said the event provides a platform for Shandong companies and industries to strengthen ties with their British counterparts, while giving UK businesses a closer look at the opportunities available in Shandong.

Cathryn Law, director of China, Development and Market Access at the UK's Department for Business and Trade, said many UK cities and companies have already established strong commercial ties with Shandong.

She mentioned that British companies such as AstraZeneca, has maintained longstanding partnerships in the province, and Shandong-based companies such as Hisense and Haier have a growing presence in the UK as well.

Both sides are looking to deepen cooperation in areas including innovation-driven development and the green and low-carbon transition.

John McLean, chairman of China UK Development Center, said China and the UK have identified a number of common priorities in their development strategies, including artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, life sciences and clean technologies.

He said Shandong's comprehensive industrial base and well-developed manufacturing and supply chains provide a strong foundation for British companies looking to expand their cooperation in China.

A total of 15 cooperation projects were signed at the opening ceremony, with two cooperation outcomes also unveiled.

The Shandong delegation will also travel to Liverpool and Edinburgh during the week for a series of events focusing on trade and investment, the marine economy, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Healthcare and life sciences took a particular focus at the opening, with an industrial dialogue themed “Building Trust and Confidence” bringing together companies and industry representatives to explore new opportunities in the medical and life-science sectors.

Shandong, on China's eastern coast, is home to a strong healthcare and pharmaceutical industry, with the sector accounting for nearly 10 percent of China's total.

Companies including WEGO Group, Bloomage Biotech, Kexing Biopharm and Luye Pharma showcased their products at the event and explored potential partnerships with UK companies and institutions.

The discussions highlighted opportunities for greater collaboration in areas ranging from pharmaceuticals and medical devices to innovation and life-science technologies.