The coastal city of Zhanjiang is authorized to establish an Ocean Economic Development Demonstration Zone. [File photo]

Zhanjiang has become one of 14 domestic cities authorized by the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Natural Resources to establish an Ocean Economic Development Demonstration Zone.

The zones are tasked with innovating ocean economy mechanisms, coordinating the development of ocean and land industries, advancing marine ecological civilization construction, and protecting marine rights and interests.

Meanwhile, they will strike a balance between economic development and ecosystem preservation. Reforms they develop will result in experiences and practices that can be replicated and promoted elsewhere in the country.

The Zhanjiang zone will be housed in the local Economic and Technological Development Zone. It is expected to create a development mode for iron and petrochemical recycling while exploring industry-university-research cooperation.

The other 13 zones are scattered across Weihai, Rizhao, Lianyungang, Yancheng, Ningbo, Wenzhou, Fuzhou, Ximen, Shenzhen and Beihai.

The Zhanjiang Ocean Economic Development Demonstration Zone will be housed in the local Economic and Technological Development Zone. [Photo/zetdz.gov.cn]