The 2014 China Ocean Economy Expo Forum was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Zhanjiang on the afternoon of Dec 3.

A senior Zhanjiang official said the city is determined to make greater efforts to develop the ocean economy and is eager to be part of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

The city has drafted a clear development plan that focuses on ocean-based economic growth and environmentally friendly programs that will protect the blue sky and clean water, said its mayor Wang Zhongbing.

Wang made the remarks on Dec 3 at the Forum on how to boost ocean-based economic development during the ongoing 2014 China Ocean Economy Expo in Zhanjiang.

As a part of the Expo, the Forum is designed to serve as a channel to release ocean economy-related polices and research findings, as well as facilitate communication and cooperation among the governments, enterprises and research institutes.

The Forum attracted a large number of prominent figures in the industry such as Li Huajun, vice-president of the Ocean University of China and Sun Zhihui, former head of the State Oceanic Administration. Topics such as maritime equipment and exploration as well as seawater comprehensive utilization were discussed in the Forum.

Edited by Feng Lu and Brian Salter