QINGDAO is moving fast on its ambitious track to develop its marine economy.

    “To build China’s ‘blue’ silicon valley means Qingdao should strive to become an incubation base for marine science and technology, a zone for marine industries, a research and development center for marine science and technology and a zone for marine professionals,” said Li Qun, the city’s Party chief.

    Qingdao was made a core area in a national plan to develop a “blue” economy in Shandong Peninsula in January this year.

    In the next five years, the city would establish four key zones which respectively covers research and development of marine science and technology, emerging marine industries, research and development of deep-sea technology, as well as ocean ecology protection.

    In addition, the city government would invest 600 billion yuan in the next five years in 300 key projects. A 10-billion-yuan “blue” fund, the first of its kind in the country, is to be set up to support the development of innovative marine projects.

    The city would continue to push forward the industrialization of marine scientific and technological results.

    The country’s largest sea water desalination project is being constructed in Qingdao, which will make the city the first in the country to industrialize sea water desalination for domestic use.

    Besides, the city’s efforts to attract and foster professionals in the marine field are expected to be enhanced over the coming five years.

    The city government has signed a cooperative agreement with Shandong University to set up a new campus in Qingdao, which is expected to focus on science and engineering education. (Li Hao, Yu Feng)