The integration of finance with the technology industry and its importance in developing more innovative services was discussed at a conference held in Zhanjiang, Guangdong, on Nov 19.

The Beibu Gulf Cities Cooperation Organization holds a conference talking about financial technology innovation at Guangdong's Zhanjiang on Nov 19. [Photo by Li Manqing/zjphoto.yinsha.com]

The event was organized by the Beibu Gulf Cities Cooperation Organization, which was established on Oct 27 this year, as a platform for all-round and wide-ranging cooperation among the Beibu Gulf area in China's southwestern coastal region.

Topics discussed included new mechanisms, development strategies, service platforms for financial technology innovation, as well as projects on smart cities and big data.

Zhanjiang government officials present four scholars with certificates of startup mentors at the conference. [Photo by Li Manqing/zjphoto.yinsha.com]

The conference, attended by Zhanjiang government officials, representatives of the Beibu Gulf Cooperation Organization, entrepreneurs, and scholars, was held in the Zhiyuangu scientific enterprises incubator.

The active and wide participation was a response to a requirement in an extensive financial technology innovative development put forward at the Third Plenary Session of 18th CPC Central Committee in 2013. The provincial government also called for fast growth utilizing interior advantages of the organization.

UNESCO statistician Dr He Baohua makes a speech at the conference. [Photo by Li Manqing/zjphoto.yinsha.com]