THE State Council officially approved the development plan of a blue economic zone in the Shandong Peninsula in January, which means construction of the blue economic zone has entered a new era. Qingdao has also set five key areas in promoting the construction of the zone.

    Qingdao will focus on the combination of land and sea in its urban planning and industrial development, building a modern coastal city with an improved environment and better life.

    A modern ocean industrial system will also be built over the next few years. Industrial development will be given priority in the construction of the blue economic zone. Construction of a modern seawater farm base and a aquatic product processing base will be sped up and pelagic fishery will also be promoted in the city. Related industries and high-end service bases will also be promoted in the city.

    A national-level creative platform on ocean technology will also be built to promote technological research and education in the field, making the city an important base for incubating leading professionals and researchers in oceanology.

    Qingdao will attract more internationally renowned companies and key projects to invest in the city and organize more oceanic cultural events to promote the development of the blue economy.

    Measures on protecting the marine environment will also be taken, such as pollution control, making the city a better place to live in.

    (Wang Yuanyuan)