Zhuanghe: Linking up Liaoning

The Zhuanghe Port Economic Zone between Dalian and Dandong is set to be an important link in the Liaoning coastal economic belt through further development of petrochemicals, metallurgy, shipbuilding, equipment manufacturing, new materials, IT and bioengineering, according to provincial government plans.

With a total area of 99 sq km at build out and initial development of 50 sq km, the zone is in the "one-hour economic rim" of Dalian and linked with the No 201 National Highway, Dandong expressway, Binghai highway and a rail line

It will also provide closer shipping lines to South Korea and Japan, as well as to Southeast Asia.

Shicheng Island in the port zone with a coastline of 28 km is considered one of the best locations for a deepwater port on the northern Yellow Sea. Now under construction along with two more railways and another expressway, the port when finished will further facilitate transport in the region.

A 80,000-ton capacity water treatment plant and a 66-kv electric power substation have been completed to service the port.

Local authorities have made large industrial projects in the port zone a priority, with 25 projects valued at 10 billion yuan set for completion this year alone.

Construction on more than 20 facilities will also begin this year.

(China Daily 09/10/2009 page37)