Among the 20 overseas economic and trade cooperative areas recognized by the ministries of commerce and finance, four are backed by Shandong's businesses and the four are all in countries involved in the initiative. Development of the areas will become important platforms for Shandong's cooperation with regions involved in the initiative, local officials said.

Cooperation between Shandong-based companies and other regions taking part in the initiative is mainly in sectors such as rubber tires, textile and garment, mechanical equipment and electric appliances.