The recent Qingdao China International Ocean Summit Forum for 2014, in the city of Qingdao, Shandong province, Oct 15-16, offered roundtables and keynote speeches on marine science and technology innovation, a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, and the marine economy of Qingdao’s West Coast New Area, with more than 500 experts from a dozen countries and international organizations taking part.

The Xinhua News Agency will work with Shandong province to use its advantages to promote China’s maritime economy, according to Shen Haixiong, Xinhua’s deputy director, who said he hopes the ocean forum can help develop Qingdao’s Blue Silicon Valley and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

The deputy director general of the National Oceanic Administration, Wang Hong, congratulated the forum and said he hopes Qingdao can maintain its pioneer position in developing the ocean economy across the country. The forum was sponsored by the Qingdao West Coast New Area and the Xinhua (Qingdao) International Ocean Information Center, with support from Xinhua News Agency, the National Oceanic Administration and Qingdao government.