Chinese Cities on Beibu Gulf Increase CooperationChinese cities on Beibu Gulf Economic Rim have promised to increase cooperation and to build the region into an economic development engine of south China.The pledge was made by officials from Zhanjiang City of Guangdong Province, Haikou City of Hainan Province, and Fangchenggang, Qinzhou and Beihai cities of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regions, who were attending a specially organized forum for cities on Beibu Gulf Economic Rim. The forum also attracted specialists from several Chinese universities and research organizations. During the forum, the participants discussed issues regarding development of the marine economy, construction of new berths and ports, use of overseas capital, environmental protection, and participation in the "developing the west" campaign. Agreements to cooperate were reached on a number of projects. Beibu Gulf Economic Rim covers Guangdong, Hainan and Guangxi, and northern and central Vietnam, of which, the land area of the Chinese territory is 27,000 sq km, and the sea area is 130,000 sq km. The region has abundant mineral and petroleum resources, and aquatic products. It also serves as a close link to the sea for western Chinese regions. Experts believe the economic cooperation among Chinese cities on Beibu Gulf is of great significance to economic progress in China's southern and western regions. Beibu Gulf Economic Rim will benefit from China's campaign to explore the vast west, initiated early this year, said the experts. The implementation of the campaign, has resulted in many construction projects in cities on the Beibu Gulf Rim, especially in Guangxi, experts added. Local authorities of Guangxi are confident that its coast on Beibu Gulf will become an economically prosperous area through a decade's construction efforts. |
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