Leaders of Zhanjiang, a coastal city in the western part of Guangdong province, expect the sea to play an increasingly important role in the city's economic growth in the years ahead.

With abundant marine resources, including natural gas, crude oil, fisheries and offshore wind force, the city has unique advantages for oceanic industries.

The central government approved Zhanjiang to become a comprehensive experimental zone for developing marine economy in Guangdong in 2011. Local officials say the coastal city should seize this opportunity to develop the city's oceanic industries.