Qingdao aims to play a leading role in marine economic development

The city of Qingdao plans to launch the construction of a Marine, Science and Technology Park this year, as part of its efforts to develop its “Blue Silicon Valley” and the coastal city's marine economy - and also to lead the drive to a "blue economy" in China.

The Blue Silicon Valley covers an area of 576 square kilometers in the north of Qingdao, and aims to facilitate oceanographic research and other high-technology development as well as commercial applications for the marine sector.

The third-largest for containers in China, Qingdao Port is key to the city's oceanic economy

Qingdao is home to the National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, and the park, with an investment of 300 million yuan, is another one of the city’s key projects.

In addition, the local authorities are speeding up the construction of a project involving the landscape around Nanbo River which is expected to be completed by the end of 2015, with the aim of beautifying the area and attracting tourists.

The State Oceanic Administration is also expected to grant Qingdao rights concerning sea area use by the end of next year.

And the city is also aiming to complete the construction of six communities - Jingtuan, Xinmin, Anyuan, Beiping, Xingshizhuang, Shuibo - before National Day in 2015.