The 12th Five-Year Plan for the Development of Marine Economy, launched by the State Council earlier this month, gives priority to three marine economic circles in the east, north and south of the nation, Pingtan's official website reported on Jan 20.

The three circles are Zhejiang Zhoushan Archipelago New Area, Fujian Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone and Guangdong Hengqin Island.

In accordance to the plan, Pingtan will focus on the development of new and high technology, marine, tourism and modern service industries. The island county will forge closer relationships with Taiwan for cross-Straits trade and industrial opportunities.

The two sides across the Straits are expected to cooperate in areas such as technology research and development, construction of a new high-tech industrial base on the west side of the Straits, a marine economy pilot zone and island tourism resorts. Pingtan aims to become a gateway to Taiwan with unique cross-Straits exchange and economic mechanisms for people in Taiwan and the Chinese mainland.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Michael Thai