As the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting approaches, the enduring partnership between Qingdao, China, and Daegu, South Korea, offers a blueprint for cross-border collaboration. The two cities, linked as sister cities since 1993, have transformed their geographic and cultural contrasts into a thriving exchange of ideas, industries, and innovation.
Qingdao’s coastal dynamism – where maritime trade meets cutting-edge technology – complements Daegu’s inland strengths in medical research and textile manufacturing. Over three decades, this relationship has evolved from cultural exchanges to joint ventures in green energy and smart city development, with bilateral trade exceeding $1.2 billion annually.
A recent conference in Daegu highlighted new agreements in biotechnology and digital infrastructure, while a photo exhibition captured snapshots of shared urban progress. “Our cities prove that regional partnerships can drive global solutions,” remarked Qingdao Mayor Zhao Haozhi during the event.
With APEC 2025 poised to address sustainable growth, the Qingdao-Daegu model demonstrates how subnational cooperation can amplify economic integration while preserving cultural identity – a narrative resonating with business leaders and policymakers alike.
