Riding wave of policy support

One may have a thousand reasons to love the ocean, but for Stephane Gonnetand, 39, a French entrepreneur in Dalian, the love for the ocean comes from the joy of sailing in his yacht during the tides.

When he moved to Dalian in 2004, his ambition was triggered as he witnessed the development of China. The then 26-year-old engineer made up his mind to start his own yacht-building business in the northeastern port city of China.

"Dalian attracts me with various livable conditions: comfortable climate, friendly locals, beautiful ocean," Gonnetand said. "But what made me choose this city to start my business is that it is the best place to fulfill my entrepreneurial dream."