Zhanjiang may become part of Guangdong FTZ

Ning Ling, a Zhanjiang deputy to the second session of the 13th National People's Congress, proposes including Zhanjiang as part of the China (Guangdong) Pilot Free Trade Zone. [Photo by Deng Hua/Xinhua]

Ning Ling, a Zhanjiang deputy to the second session of the 13th National People's Congress, proposed including Zhanjiang as part of the China (Guangdong) Pilot Free Trade Zone in order to spur the city's development.

Zhanjiang, located at the junction of Guangdong province, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, and Hainan province, is endowed with advantageous geography on which a stereo transport network has taken shape.

The southern Chinese city is currently home to one of China's 12 strategic hub ports, which has access to more than 150 countries and regions around the world. It also has a bustling city airport and will soon have access to four more high-speed railways.

This great transportation infrastructure gives Zhanjiang an edge in terms of developing trade. Its aquatic products and small household appliances sell like hot cakes on the international market. The city is also strong in iron, steel and petrochemicals, housing a number of industrial giants such as Baosteel Zhanjiang and Sino-Kuwait (Guangdong) Refinery & Petrochemical.

Ning believes the inclusion of Zhanjiang as part of the China (Guangdong) Pilot Free Trade Zone is necessary for its continued development. A 313-square-kilometer area consisting of Donghai Island, Xiashan Lingang Industrial Park, and Baoman Port Area is expected to begin serving as a development center for bulk commodities such as iron ore and coal.

The 15-square-kilometer area centered on the Zhanjiang International Airport is expected to eventually engage in electronic information, high-end manufacturing, new materials, biomedicine, and other hi-tech industries. It has been proposed that the 9-square-kilometer Xuwen Port Area develop a modern service industry involving entrepot trade, outsourcing, and leisure tourism, said Lin.

This will take full advantage of Zhanjiang's role as a sea link between the southwestern hinterlands and countries along the Belt & Road while also aiding in the integrated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Hainan Free Trade Zone, and Beibu Gulf rim.