Representatives attend a charity dinner in celebration of the 58th National Day of Singapore in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province, on Aug 20. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] 

Trade between Singapore and East China's Shandong province has seen rapid growth despite the COVID-19 pandemic, and both sides are looking to strengthen ties, officials said.

In celebration of the 58th National Day of Singapore and the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of China-Singapore diplomatic relations, a charity dinner was held in Qingdao, Shandong province, on Aug 20.

The fifth management committee of the Shandong liaison office of the Singapore Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China (SingCham) was inaugurated at the same time.

During the event, Chee Hong Tat, Singapore's Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Transport, said trade between Singapore and Shandong has seen rapid growth over the past three years despite the pandemic, a result of the continuous efforts both sides have made to boost economic cooperation.

The Shandong liaison office of the Singapore Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China (SingCham) is inaugurated in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province, on Aug 20. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

He pointed out that SingCham's Shandong office has contributed significantly to bilateral trade and cultural exchanges, while encouraging companies to create more business and cultural exchange opportunities from both sides.

Launched in 2014 in Qingdao, the SingCham Shandong office aims to serve Singaporean companies that intend to invest in Shandong. It also functions as a networking platform for Singaporeans working and living in Shandong.

Ke Hongjing, president of both the office and Unihearts Health, said the newly launched liaison office will serve as a bridge between Singaporean companies and people in Shandong, providing a win-win platform and friendlier environment to promote cooperation between the two sides.

Falling under Singaporean Unibase Holding, Unihearts Health is a health management company that provides medical services to children and families.