The Taiwan Trade Center opened its fourth mainland representative office in Qingdao on Sept 23, aiming to help Taiwan companies tap into the mainland market and deepen economic and trade cooperation.

The Qingdao office, following ones in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou, will serve provinces including Shandong, Henan and Shannxi, according to the center.

"We opened a representative office in Shandong because the prosperous province in East China has an advantageous location and strong economic strength with GDP amounting to 5 trillion yuan, ($800 billion)" said Wang Chih-kang, chairman of the Taiwan Trade Center.

"Qingdao is an important economic hub in Shandong and attracts many Taiwan businessmen," Wang added.

Taiwan and Shandong have a close economic relationship and two Taiwan Trade Fairs in Shandong held by the Taiwan Trade center draw 680,000 visitors and promote $860 million in business opportunities.