Zhoushan Port Area became the eighth largest bunkering port in the world and the largest in China in 2020. [Photo/WeChat account: china-zjftz]

The Zhoushan area of the China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone has made significant contributions to the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region, local media reported on May 27.

The Zhoushan area integrates into YRD in terms of transportation. The Ningbo-Zhoushan railway is under construction and the 28-kilometer Zhoushan-Daishan bridge is expected to be completed this year.

The Zhoushan area also integrates into YRD in terms of regional cooperation.

Zhoushan participated in the development of the Yangshan area in Shanghai in 2019 and the development project is an important part of the Yangshan Deep Water Port Area of the Shanghai International Shipping Center.

Zhoushan also cooperated with Ningbo in the construction of port and shipping facilities, as well as in the manufacturing, new energy, and new material industries. In addition, the two cities also are working together to build themselves into global coastal cities.

Moreover, Zhoushan will partner with Hangzhou in the development of the digital economy and ocean economy. It will also cooperate with Jinyi New District in the barter trade of bulk and popular commodities.

The Zhoushan area also integrates into YRD in terms of river-ocean combined transportation.

Statistics show that in 2020, Zhoushan Port Area became the eighth largest bunkering port in the world and the largest in China, delivering 571 million metric tons of cargo.

Zhoushan will establish an alliance with cities along the Yangtze River to reinforce its capacity of river-ocean transportation, as well as to strengthen its coordination with cities in YRD in infrastructure, sci-tech innovation, and public service.