Pingtan has been included in China's first batch of designated ports open to foreign fishing vessels, marking a new step forward in the island's efforts to expand openness and strengthen its marine economy.

The list, recently released by China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, names 23 ports nationwide approved to handle foreign fishing vessels under new port management and inspection measures targeting illegal fishing activities.

According to the notice, Berth No. 4 at the Jinjing operation area in Pingtan Port Area was selected as one of the designated facilities. The berth will mainly support services including foreign fishing vessel docking, supply replenishment and seafood cargo handling.

The designation was made under a national policy framework aimed at strengthening port-state inspection and management of foreign fishing vessels involved in fishery activities. Coastal provincial authorities jointly submitted applications in coordination with customs, maritime safety and immigration departments before the final selection process was completed.

A fisheries official with the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau of the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone said the inclusion reflects national recognition of Pingtan's fisheries industry foundation and port opening capabilities.

Located across the Taiwan Straits from Taiwan, Pingtan is the closest point on the Chinese mainland to Taiwan Island and has increasingly positioned itself as an international gateway for marine industries, trade and cross-border cooperation. In recent years, the island has accelerated the development of port infrastructure, offshore fisheries, marine tourism and cold-chain logistics as part of its broader ocean economy strategy.

Officials said Pingtan will use the newly approved status to further improve port management for foreign fishing vessels, strengthen international fisheries cooperation and explore new forms of cross-border seafood trade.

The move is also expected to enhance Pingtan's role in regional marine economic cooperation and inject fresh momentum into the island's high-quality ocean sector development.