Fujian is to be the core area of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Chinese authorities said in an action plan issued on March 28.

The initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013 refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

The Belt is to be established along the route of the ancient Silk Road, stretching northwest from China's coast through Central Asia, the Middle East and on to Europe. The Road will run south to Southeast Asia.

The Silk Road is a strategy for promoting trade and communications in the region. Experts say it will help to resolve China's domestic overcapacity while also boosting regional development and connectivity.

Fujian is being promoted as a core area for its geographical advantages, said Huang Duan, director of the Development and Research Center of the Fujian provincial Government.

The cities of Quanzhou, Fuzhou and Zhangzhou in Fujian have all served as ports on the ancient Maritime Silk Road at different times, said Fujian Party chief You Quan, last September.

Fujian also boasts abundant marine resources, with a maritime area of 136,300 sq km and a total coastline of 3,324 km.