The China Ocean Economy Expo will be held in Zhanjiang from Dec 3 to 7, to showcase the abundant marine resources of the port city and its role in building the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

Zhanjiang's development is closely related to the progress of its ocean economy and marine industry, said Liu Xiaohua, Party chief of Zhanjiang. The output of the city’s marine industry hit 127.58 billion yuan ($20 billion) in 2013.

The Zhanjiang Dockside Industrial Park is under construction.

The mangrove forest in Leizhou Peninsula

Zhanjiang has the biggest output of aquatic products in Guangdong and produces two thirds of the country’s sea pearls. “Given that Zhanjiang has such close ties with the ocean, it is necessary for the city to hold the China Ocean Economy Expo. It is an engine to boost the development of the marine industry and a platform to promote the exchanges and cooperation of ocean economy and marine culture,” said Liu.