Qingdao WCNA drives development of marine economy

Qingdao West Coast New Area (Qingdao WCNA) is striving to become the core of Qingdao's leading modern marine area, the leader of Shandong province's marine economy, and a new strategic hub for China's development into a maritime power.

Qingdao WCNA convened a conference on the high-quality development of the marine economy on Jan 14, unveiling the "2024 Qingdao West Coast New Area cases of reform and innovation in the marine field." 

The Haixi Bay Ship and Marine Engineering Industrial Base in Qingdao WCNA. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

These cases span seven key domains, encompassing innovation in marine science and technology, modern marine industries, shipping trade and finance, international exchange and cooperation, conservation of marine ecosystems, marine safety management, and the commercial application of research outcomes.

Emerging from the sea and thriving on its shores, Qingdao WCNA has witnessed remarkable progress since its inception a decade ago, with its marine gross domestic product (GDP) registering an impressive average annual growth rate of 14.9 percent, doubling in overall magnitude. In the first three quarters of 2024, the area achieved an 8.6-percent year-on-year expansion in marine GDP, constituting 41.6 percent, 12.5 percent, and 2.2 percent of the total figures at the municipal, provincial, and national levels, respectively. Projections indicate a roughly nine-percent annual upsurge in marine GDP for the entirety of Qingdao WCNA.

These accomplishments owe much to the unified endeavors of Qingdao WCNA in propelling industrial innovation through technological advancements, achieving new milestones in the establishment of high-caliber open collaboration platforms, and placing increased emphasis on the harmonious coexistence of marine exploitation and conservation.