The Donghai Island Tourist Resort

Oceanic technology is necessary in building the southern ‘maritime valley’

Technology serves not only to cultivate talent but also to advance local economic and social development. Located in Zhanjiang, Lingnan Normal University, Guangdong Ocean University and the Zhanjiang campus of Guangdong Medical College all have a presence in the country with their strong research teams. Rich educational and technological resources are valuable. It is important to turn them into an essential force behind the emergence of Zhanjiang. On the one hand, we should rely on know-how, equipment and research achievements, actively development core technologies in oceanic industries, and accelerate the industrial application of oceanic technologies. On the other, we should encourage the three institutions to open up their laboratories to promote the combination of technology and industries and economic and social development, as well as serve enterprises and society.

To build the southern ‘maritime valley’, talent is crucial

The environment for entrepreneurship is one of the factors attracting talent. In recent years, the modern industrial system has constantly improved with the building of major steel and petrochemical projects. Zhanjiang, which has great potential and bright prospects for further development, is attracting more talent. To build the southern “maritime valley”, it is important to build up the oceanic industry. The industrial clusters centering on steel, petrochemical and paper-making projects have been established, serving as the backbone of the city’s economy, but the oceanic industrial system has to be improved. We should shift from developing industrial parks to forming industrial chains and further on to shaping industrial clusters, maximize the roles of the three major projects in lifting the industries, bring in and develop upstream and downstream enterprises, and extend the oceanic industrial chain. We aim to achieve well-structured oceanic industrial clusters, accelerate the building of oceanic industrial parks and push forward the oceanic industry’s development. To build the southern “maritime valley”, we need to promote education. The ocean changes the lifestyles and development mode of a city. The historic progress of human society has always been closely connected to the ocean. As a major oceanic city, Zhanjiang is well positioned and has a responsibility in promoting modern oceanic education in primary and middle schools. It is also important to push forward related education and research in institutions of higher learning and research institutes to spread oceanic knowledge, enhance the public’s awareness and foster more talent.

Give full support to institutions of higher learning and enhance results from cooperation

Institutions of higher learning stand as the cultural calling card of a city, a cultural high ground in a region and an important place in leading advanced thoughts. They play a crucial role in facilitating local development. Key support goes to a national agricultural technological park featuring aquaculture led by Guangdong Ocean University and to the establishment of a provincial ocean research institute. Support is provided for a new campus of Guangdong Medical College and a new affiliated hospital in Haidong New District. Support also includes medical resources for the college in the economic and social plan of Zhanjiang. Support is provided to Lingnan Normal University for continued training of teachers at the grassroots level and for their part in supporting the institutions of higher learning in Zhanjiang. Interaction between those institutions and the economy and society of Zhanjiang will create a win-win situation.