Fujian is embracing an unprecedented development opportunity, by building an economic zone on the western coast of the Taiwan Straits.

Since the State Council issued a document named "Supporting Fujian to promote construction of the Economic Zone on the Western Coast of the Taiwan Straits" in May 2009, the coastal province has sped up the pace of economic development and infrastructure construction.

The zone covers nine cities in Fujian and also areas in Guangdong, Jiangxi and Zhejiang provinces.

Over the past year, construction in the zone has made substantial progress.

Xiamen

One of the major cities in the economic zone, Xiamen has issued an urban development blueprint which pledges to expand the city's urban area.

Xiang'an district is far from central Xiamen and has long lagged behind, but is now designated to be a new area for renovation.

More than 9.5 sq km and in Xiang'an New Town has been earmarked for development and is expected to have a population of 200,000 in the future.

"Xiang'an will become an important gateway for passengers and cargos to Xiamen Island," said Ke Zhimin, head of Xiang'an district.

According to the blueprint, Xiamen will have 240 sq km of new urban areas by 2020. The city's total urban area is projected to reach 330 sq km.

Fuzhou

Decades ago, over 800,000 locals left Fuzhou for Taiwan. Now Fuzhou's opening-up environment and geological and cultural ties with Taiwan have helped the city attract more than 2,930 Taiwan-funded projects.

After the State Council's pledge of support for the construction of the Economic Zone on the Western Coast of the Taiwan Straits, Fuzhou unveiled its strategy to boost Fuzhou-Taiwan economic cooperation.

According to the plan, Fuzhou will promote the relaxation of restrictions on Taiwan investment in the city, increase land use for Fuzhou-Taiwan cooperation, and strengthen Taiwan-related trade associations.

Ningde

The development strategy of Ningde, situated in the northeast part of the Economic Zone, focuses on energy, metallurgy, petrochemical and shipbuilding.

The city aims to be a heavy industry port city. With a 1,046-km long coastline, Ningde has a unique geographic advantage. It faces Taiwan, is backed by the mainland, borders Wenzhou in the north - a city known for its dynamic private economy, and approaches Fuzhou in the south.

Several key projects are listed as a priority in the city government's agenda, including the Ningde nuclear power station, Ningde-Wuqing high-speed railway, and the Haixi Ningde industrial zone.

(China Daily 06/28/2010 page6)