Province accelerates plans to realize president's vision

In 2009, Chinese President Hu Jintao made a commitment to accelerating the development of the Shandong Peninsula Blue Economic Zone, an emerging area along the south Baohai Sea. In line with this requirement, Shandong is now seeking to implement this policy at the earliest possible opportunity.

By the end of October 2010, the first draft of the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-15) will be in place, prior to its acceptance as a national strategy. A number of major related projects are currently being researched, including marine spatial distribution, resource development, marine-led industrial development, an experimental regional cooperation experimental zone involving China, Japan and South Korea and greater regional economic integration.

By 2015, the region intends to have defined the basic structure of its marine sector. According to the local government, by 2020, Shandong will have established itself as a key player in the blue peninsula economic zone, due to its robust industrial base, geographical advantages, skilled workforce, conducive environment and international stature.