The Qingdao-Amazon Joint Innovation Center was officially launched on March 28 in Licang, an urban district in the eastern coastal city of Qingdao.

The Qingdao-Amazon Joint Innovation Center is unveiled on March 28 in Licang district, Qingdao. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Located in the central business circle of Licang district, the center is designed to integrate resources such as new technologies, ideas, incubation platforms and capital to propel the growth of local Internet companies and global startups, as well as to promote the industrial restructuring and upgrading of Qingdao.

The center, the first of its kind built in China, is jointly operated by Amazon Web Services (AWS), a world leading cloud computing services provider, the Licang district government and Vancoo Commerce Internet Industry (Qingdao) Co Ltd, a private local firm, according to a tripartite cooperation agreement signed on June 16, 2016.

According to Rong Yongkang, executive director of AWS China and global vice president of AWS, the center will serve as a platform for worldwide internet companies, and create a cluster of information, technology, talent and capital in the Bohai and Yellow Sea area.

"Qingdao is one of China's leading innovative cities and its orientation will help to attract more startups, global leading companies and top high-tech talent for the center," said Rong.

Along with the launching ceremony, the Qingdao International Smart Industry Summit was also held, with distinguished guests from the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Qingdao government, AWS, the venture capital industry, economic research centers and local enterprises taking part.

The Qingdao International Smart Industry Summit is held on March 28 in Licang district, Qingdao. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]