Pingtan, an island off E China's Fujian province, held an economic symposium on the island’s digital economy, marine economy, green economy, and cultural tourism.Representatives from the private sectorjoined the symposium.

Wang Yanping (Vice President of China Shipowners Association, Chairman of Fujian Guohang Ocean Shipping (Group) Co., Ltd.)

On marine tourism and green shipping

Pingtan Island enjoys various geographic exclusivities and government incentives as a comprehensive pilot zone for cross-Straits integration, a free trade zone, and an international tourism island, making it an ideal location for marine tourism and shipping. Currently, Pingtan has set up direct shipping channels across the Taiwan Straits.

Pingtan is known for its shipping industry nationwide. Pingtan’s shipping capacity ranks first in the province. It’s imperative to upgrade capacity structure of new energy ships. Supportive financial policies such as lower loan interest, equipment subsidies and incentives, and low-carbon fuel subsidies to promote green shipping should be introduced. An international ship registration system in reference to China's Yangshan Port and Yangpu Port should be adopted to attract new ships and homecoming fleets.

Lin Guangui (President of Hong Kong Pingtan Union Association)

On the Implementation of Offshore Duty-Free Policy

Offshore duty-free policy is a critical agent of growth for an international tourism island. First, it acts as a tourist magnet to bring about consumerism in the area; second, it could be a catalyst for a leapfrog development and drive the modern service industry led by tourism; third, it will serve as a model for deeper integration between two sides of the Taiwan Straits, promoting cross-Straits cooperation and development.

Hong Kong-Pingtan Union Association will further establish exchange mechanisms and regularized communication with Pingtan. Leveraging its advantages, the association will bridge and connect its members (Fujian, Hong Kong, and Taiwan) in integration and development, and win over international duty-free operators, supply chains, and retail brands to Pingtan. Pingtan aspires to build the largest tax-free shopping hub in East China by drawing on Hainan's offshore duty-free model and concerting efforts to build up its industrial chain, supply chain, and service chain for duty-free shopping.

Lin Zhengjia (Member of the Standing Committee of All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese)

On exploring and inheriting marine culture

The tunneling and shipping industries are some of the pillar industries of Pingtan. Supported by advanced industrial equipment, flexible market mechanisms, and high market sensitivity, these industries aspire to tap into the Middle East and South East Asian markets led by the government and state-owned enterprises.

As for tourism development, Pingtan could create an "Out-to-the-Sea Festival,” drawing on the inspiration of Beijing's "Heaven Altar" and "Earth Altar." Like these festivals, Pingtan has its "Sea Altar," this captivating event will see hundreds of fishing fleets set sail for the sea in a grand procession that embodies the true essence of Pingtan's spirit. Pingtan can actively explore its maritime culture and carry forward its fine folk culture through an exhibit of exciting events.

Lin Yongqiang(Chairman of Fujian Guanye Investment Development Co., Ltd.)

On increasing experience-based tourism projects toconverttraffic into consumption

This year's tourism is expected to generate “retaliatory” growth after the pandemic. As an international tourist island, Pingtan will usher in promising opportunities in the new year, especially for retail, catering, and other service industries.

Pingtan International Tourism Island has a magnificent natural landscape, such as beaches, sunset, and windmills. The small area has such dense attractions, which is rare at home and abroad. It’s recommended that before the peak season of tourism, more focus should be on tourism promotion to increase exposure.

It's critical to convert traffic into consumption by enriching the tourist experience, which is achievable through the construction of recreational water sports, sea fishing, boutique accommodations, etc. High-end conventions should be prioritized to boost quality consumption, attract investors, and upgrade tourism infrastructures on the island.

Chen Canzhang (Vice Chairman of the Federation of Industry and Commerce of Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone and President of Xinxin (Fujian) Industrial Development Group Co., Ltd.)

On Improving the Intelligentization of the Xiaodibai International Logistics Park

Xiaodibai International Commerce and Trade Logistics Distribution Center, invested by Xinxin (Fujian) Industrial Development Group Co., Ltd, completed construction at the end of 2022, where the self-operating cross-border e-commerce customs supervision center started operation on January 2, 2023.

In 2023, the group will work to improve the intelligentization of the Xiaodibai International Logistics Park and other facilities such as consolidated warehouses. Efforts should be made to increase freight transportation across the Straits. Pingtan also plansto set up a joint shipping company with Taiwan merchants. Beauty and cosmetics brands will be brought in. The first Cross-Straits Beauty and Cosmetics Island & Asia-Pacific Beauty Industry Development Forum are in the pipeline.

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