July 21, 2022, Shandong Port group and Port of Long beach held a celebration of the 25th anniversary of sister port relationship online.
Shandong Port group is the world's largest port cluster. In 2021, cargo throughput exceeded 1.5 billion tons and container volume exceeded 34 million TEUs. Currently, Shandong Port has 38 friendly ports, spanning six continents including Asia, Europe, Africa and the United States, and more than 300 container routes, and is closely linked to more than 180 countries and regions around the world.
Founded in 1911, Port of Long Beach covers an area of about 12.95 square kilometers. It has 10 jetties, 80 berths and 72 bridge cranes. The annual cargo throughput is about 78 million tons and the container throughput is 9.38 million TEUs, accounting for nearly 1/5 of the United States, ranking second in the United States.
In 1997, Qingdao Port and Port of Long Beach became sister ports. Over the past 25 years, the two ports have given full play to their respective advantages and strengthened business exchanges. Currently, 4 direct routes have been opened, and the container throughput between the two ports reached nearly 600,000 TEUs in 2021.
Today, Shandong Port Qingdao Port has grown to become the fourth largest port in the world and the second largest foreign trade port in China. The trade volume between Port of Long Beach and China accounts for one-half of the port's throughput.
The two sides reviewed the history of cooperation between both sides, also watched the introduction video of Shandong Port Group, then exchanged souvenirs at the meeting. Social people from all walks of life also provided sponsorship and support to the “Exchange Program of Pen Pal communication between students” in the two cities, etc., which bring two cities more closer and enhanced mutual understanding.
In the future, the two sides will further cooperate to promote cultural exchanges between the two regions and economic and trade exchanges between China and the US.
(By Xu Leyuan)
