Qingdao has become a hub for global companies, including Swedish marine boiler maker Alfa Laval, which has its largest investment there. The city’s strong supply chain, logistics, and proximity to South Korea and Japan attract over 5,000 enterprises from these countries. Despite challenges like COVID-19, industry leaders, such as Bridgestone's Hoshino Taishi, remain optimistic about growth as China continues to open up to global investment.