The city of Zibo, Shandong province has been ramping up efforts to boost economic ties with Japan, said local officials.

To date, Zibo has 25 Japanese-funded enterprises with total investment of $198 million, a registered capital of $120 million and contractual foreign investment of $68.82 million.

The companies are mainly involved in refractory manufacturing, machinery and equipment manufacturing and other industries.

Official statistics show that from January to August this year, imports and exports between Zibo and Japan reached 2.02 billion yuan ($303.86 million), among which exports were valued at 1.62 billion yuan while imports were valued at 391 million yuan.

The city will speed up the construction of a demonstration zone for innovation cooperation between China and Japan, which would facilitate investment and trade for both parties.

The city is also enhancing targeted investment promotion among Japan's global top 500 enterprises and industry giants to seek cooperation in precision manufacturing, intelligent equipment and other areas.