By the end of 2010, 2,200 Shandong enterprises had invested in over 130 countries and regions worldwide, according to statistics from Shandong Province's Department of Commerce.

In addition, import and export trade increased six times from $28.96 billion in 2001, the year China entered the WTO, to $188.95 billion in 2010. Further to this, 159 enterprises listed among the world's top 500 enterprises have settled in Shandong.

China's accession to the WTO resulted in Shandong's rapid and continued development. During the "10th Five-Year Plan" (2001-2005), mechanical and electrical products were Shandong's chief exports. During the "11th Five-Year Plan" (2006-2010), exports of mechanical and electrical products as well as high-tech products increased 13.1 percent and 11.7 percent respectively.

Qi Xueyong, Director of Commerce, Foreign Trade Division, Department of Commerce of Shandong Province commented that Japan, South Korea, Europe and the U.S. were Shandong's traditional markets. However, Qi added that Shandong's exports to ASEAN countries, Latin America, Africa and other emerging markets are growing rapidly, and that exports to these regions accounted for almost 30 percent of all exports.

Qi stated that, along with seeing increased exports to emerging markets, Shandong is also consolidating its traditional markets.

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