Business / Economy

Silk Road on the sea revitalizes livelihoods

By Wu Yiyao in Shanghai (China Daily) Updated: 2014-03-10 07:09

A container truck passes through the barrier of the Zhoushan Port Comprehensive Bonded Zone.

The bonded zone intends to be a center for maritime equipment manufacturing, biological and electronics industries and warehousing, with a focus on shipping, financial and exhibition services.

It will also position itself as a commodity-based bonded zone for the Asia-Pacific region in line with its plan to be a free trade zone and ultimately a free trade port.

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Zhoushan has also sought permission to set up a pilot cross-border e-commerce platform, according to city government officials. Other plans include more investment in shipping route development and port infrastructure and a negative list for marine economy development.

"We are planning to acquire and store the usage rights for coastal areas. It is important to ensure that the coastal resources are effectively used and the environment is protected," says Zhang Yi, director of the financial department under the Development and Reform Commission of Zhoushan city.

"The best thing about Zhoushan is its excellent air quality," says Shen Yingqi, a 22-year-old Zhoushan college student who is majoring in clean energy. The city has the best air quality among all the cities on China's mainland thanks to its low carbon emissions and ocean winds.

Shen says that an important lesson he learnt during his college days was the need to protect the environment. "Most of our resources come from the sea and it is important to protect the marine ecosystem. Protecting the environment is like safeguarding our good fortune," he says.

"Although it may sound cliched, most of the Zhoushan locals, who were born by the seaside and brought up on a seafood diet, know how environmental changes can affect lives," Shen says.

The biggest task for local authorities and residents is how to protect the environment, the clean air, clean seawater and clean coastline, says Hu Haiguang, the official spokesman for the Zhoushan government.