Conson No 1, the world's first 100,000-metric-ton smart fish farming ship, in Qingdao, Shandong province. CHINA DAILY

Zhang Jiandong, director of Shandong Oceanic Bureau in East China's Shandong province, recently wrote an article published by China Natural Resources News about how the province is striving to promote the development of the marine economy.

Here are some of the highlights of the article:

Shandong province has taken major strides in developing its marine economy. In the first three quarters of this year, the province's marine gross domestic product increased by 6.3 percent year-on-year, contributing more than 22 percent to overall economic growth. The marine economy has become a key area for implementing major national strategies such as the Yellow River development, promoting the transformation of old growth drivers to the new ones, and advancing green, low-carbon and high-quality development.

The province has continued deepening of strategic initiatives regarding the development of the marine economy and made a steadfast commitment to the growth of the marine industry.

It has incorporated modern marine industries into the transformation of old growth drivers to new ones, expedited the transformation and upgrading of the marine industry, and strengthened strategic emerging industries related to the ocean.

The transformation of traditional marine industries is being accelerated. The province has established 67 national-level marine ranching demonstration areas that account for around 40 percent of the country's total.

Emerging marine industries are rapidly growing. Efforts are being made to cultivate high-end manufacturing industries in the ocean sector. Qingdao Conson Development, a State-owned enterprise located in Qingdao city in Shandong province, has launched the Conson 1, a 100,000-ton intelligent fishing vessel.

The province has also made efforts to promote the consolidation of ports and accelerated the construction of world-class marine ports while building a beautiful ocean and fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and the sea.

Shandong is committed to expanding openness and cooperation and actively integrating itself into the high-quality construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and the development of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

Shandong is also striving to enhance participation in global ocean governance. Among its efforts is the construction of two "national-level" platforms: the cooperation center for China-Pacific Island countries' climate change and the China-Caribbean Development Center.