QINGDAO has already started promoting the development of its blue economic zone. During the first six months of this year, the production volume of the city’s ocean industry has increased by 18 percent, higher than other industries.

    Since the city released its plan to develop the blue economy in May, significant progress has been made and several key projects have made great achievements, such as construction on the ship for the national marine science investigation, completion of the city’s development plan on liner economy, preparation work on the new airport and construction on the national marine equipment detecting center.

    The city is also working on attracting more high-level professionals in the marine area and several plans have been made to attract overseas professionals.

    Preferential policies have also been carried out to attract companies. The city has signed contracts with 18 shipping companies, allowing them to use the harbors without paying any fee, and the amount of transit containers in the city are expected to increase by more than 50 percent this year compared with last year.

    More related faculties will also be built to offer the best service to companies.

    The city also plans to set up the country’s first blue economy investment fund worth about 10 billion yuan and launch research subjects on developing the blue economy. Business introduction activities will also be held in overseas countries and Hong Kong to attract investors.

    (Wang Yuanyuan, Liu Fangbin)