The International Sci-Tech Salon China-South Korea Marine Bio-manufacturing Industry Matchmaking Conference held on Sept 11 in Yantai highlighted the Huang-Bohai New Area's growing role in linking marine research with industrial application.

Over 100 experts from universities, research institutes, and enterprises across both countries took part. Discussions covered carbon neutrality, marine bioactive substances, anti-aging research, antimicrobial peptides, sea cucumber farming, marine bio-based materials, and microalgal peptides.

Agreements included a joint seaweed research center and a beauty lab involving the Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research and other Chinese and South Korean partners. Fifteen marine biotech projects were pitched in matchmaking sessions on seafood processing, marine cosmetics, and seaweed biotechnology.

Lee Jae-jin, chairman of the South Korea-China Science and Technology Service Association, said the event provides a platform for Chinese and South Korean businesses to establish partnerships and strengthen cooperation in the marine sector. The association supports such cooperation by identifying promising technologies and helping companies navigate cross-border approvals and connect with potential investors.

From joint fish stock enhancement in the Yellow Sea to collaborative marine research, China and South Korea have been cooperating in maritime-related fields for over 30 years.

Building on this decades-long partnership, the Huang-Bohai New Area has built a complete marine industrial chain covering marine drugs, biological products, aquatic processing, and new marine materials, supported by 17 municipal-level or higher innovation platforms. As marine biological manufacturing becomes a new growth engine for the blue economy, Yantai's deepening bilateral cooperation is creating new opportunities.