Guangxi launches 3-year action plan to boost maritime economy

A Bryde's whale is spotted hunting in the sea off Weizhou Island. [Photo/Guangxi Daily]

The maritime economy of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region in 2025 is expected to reach 700 billion yuan ($101 billion), accounting for 25 percent of regional GDP.

This target was included in Guangxi's three-year action plan (2023-25) for developing its maritime economy, which was released recently.

Emerging maritime industries such as biomedicine, offshore wind power and new energy will be further developed while traditional one like marine fisheries, transportation and cultural tourism will be upgraded.

Construction of the Beibu Gulf International Coastal Tourism Resort will be sped up and Beihai, Fangchenggang and Qinzhou will be promoted to achieve integrated development.

Distinct tourism routes featuring topics like leisure tourism in the Beibu Gulf, the China-Vietnam cross-border scenery, and protection of natural assets will be released, and a batch of hotels based on the themes of marine culture and local landscapes will be built. 

The construction of infrastructure such as public marinas for yachts and sailboats, and other facilities for beach sports, will also be built, and marine sports events such as sailing and beach volleyball will be held.

The plan points out that Guangxi will build at least two national coastal tourism resorts by 2025 as well as five more at the autonomous regional level. Five national 4A-level scenic areas will also be available. 

A modern and comprehensive traffic network including sea, land, air, railway and water links will be optimized. The new Nanning-Hengyang high-speed railway via Guilin will start planning and construction, and the high-speed railway connecting Guiyang and Nanning will finish construction.

In addition, the document noted that Guangxi will enhance cooperation with ASEAN countries in areas of marine resources surveys, ecological protection, early warnings and forecasting, emergency rescue, and marine fisheries to promote the formulation of a marine economic cooperation circle between Guangxi and ASEAN countries.