The seminar on the development of China's national new areas and its marine economy is held in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, on Oct 30. [Photo/ zj.zjol.com]

A seminar on the development of China's national new areas and its marine economy was held in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, on Oct 30. 

Co-hosted by Zhejiang Ocean University and the Zhoushan Archipelago New Area, the seminar witnessed the attendance of representatives from 17 national new areas and coastal cities of the province, who had heated discussions on the further opening-up of new areas and their integrated development with the marine economy. 

Representatives all agreed that national new areas should establish close partnerships with overseas countries to enhance opening-up, strengthen system innovation to pave the way for economic growth, and integrate the development of the land economy and marine economy. 

China now has altogether 19 national new areas, of which seven are in coastal provinces and municipalities, providing abundant resources with their vast sea areas. 

Meanwhile, six new areas are connected with the ocean via the Yangtze River, while the other inland new areas can be involved in the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road through various means, which means that all the 19 national new areas have the potential to contribute to China's marine economic development.

The marine economy has now become an important driver for the economic development of China, especially China's eastern coastal regions, which contribute to 60 percent of the national GDP and over 90 percent of the foreign trade.

Representatives from 17 national new areas and coastal cities of the Zhejiang province attend the seminar. [Photo/ zj.zjol.com]

Qian Jun, deputy director of the standing committee of the Municipal People's Congress of Zhoushan, delivers a speech at the seminar. [Photo/ zj.zjol.com]