Li Qun, Party Chief of Qingdao, addresses the 10th European Union-China Business and Technology Cooperation Fair, which was held from Thursday (Nov 5) to Friday (Nov 6). [Photo by Hu Qing/ chinadaily.com.cn]

The 10th European Union-China Business and Technology Cooperation Fair was held from Thursday (Nov 5) to Friday (Nov 6) in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province.

The event, under the theme "One Belt and One Road Linking the New Future of EU and China", attracted some 400 government officials, experts, scholars and business players from both China and the EU, focusing on cooperation in fields such as IT, environmental protection, new energy, biopharmaceutical, modern agriculture and aviation sectors.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the opening of EU-China economic and diplomatic relations. Now the EU is China's biggest trading partner, and China is now close to becoming the EU's largest trading partner as well. In 2014, the total volume of bilateral trade in goods amounted to almost 470 billion euros.

"Growing trade and investment benefit both sides' companies, offers jobs and allows the societies in both regions of the world to raise the standard of living," said Carmen Cano, deputy head of the Delegation of the European Union to China at the opening ceremony of the fair.

The EU is eager to see more Chinese investment in Europe and the new European Commission, led by President Jean-Claude Juncker, has put investment at the very heart of its agenda, she added.

The EU-China Business and Technology Cooperation Fair has been held for nine editions and has grown into a prominent investment, trade and technology cooperation platform between EU and China, with the largest number of EU participating companies.

This year's edition was first held in Qingdao, which has a close connection with European countries.

"Qingdao is a seaside city with a characteristic European style and Badaguan, one of best scenic spots in China, features many typical European-style buildings, enjoying great fame as a world architecture museum", said Li Qun, Party Chief of Qingdao.