Time: 17: 00-18: 00, July 10, 2023
Site: Suitang Hall, Cangzhou Canal Guesthouse, Hebei Province
Moderator: He Zhiqi,
Publisher: Li Shixin, vice president of China Institute of Navigation, the deputy director of the Activity Week Executive Committee
Duan Honghai: deputy director of the Department of Coal and Transportation of CHN Energy and the member of the Activity Week Executive Committee
Li Qing: vice president of China Waterborne Transport Research Institute and the deputy director of the Activity Week Executive Committee.
Liu Qiang: deputy secretary general of Cangzhou Municipal Government and the Government's Spokesperson
Moderator: Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed members of the media:
Good afternoon! Welcome to the press conference for China Maritime Week 2023.
China Maritime Day is a a holiday steered by the government, in which all citizens participate. It encompasses sectors and professionals from navigation, oceanography, fisheries, shipbuilding, maritime scientific research and education, as well as military and police officers ."July 11th is the the 19th Maritime Day of China, with the theme of "Sail for the New Maritime Silk Road, Heading Towards the New Development Paradigm". China will continue to hold events to celebrate its Maritime Day during China Maritime Week 2023 from July 9th to 15th in Cangzhou City，Hebei Province. The festivities for China Maritime Week 2023 are guided and supported by the Ministry of Transport, China Association for Science and Technology, the People's Government of Hebei Province, and the Organizing Committee of China Maritime Day activities, four organizers, China Institute of Navigation, Cangzhou Municipal People's Government, Department of Coal and Transportation of CHN Energy, and China Waterborne Transport Research Institute. Today’s conference aims to introduce the specific activities and address any queries related to the events held in Cangzhou City.
Li Shixin, vice president of China Institute of Navigation, the deputy director of the Activity Week Executive Committee; Liu Qiang, deputy secretary general of Cangzhou Municipal Government and the Government's Spokesperson; Duan Honghai, deputy director of the Department of Coal and Transportation of CHN Energy and the member of the Activity Week Executive Committee; and Li Qing, vice president of China Waterborne Transport Research Institute and the deputy director of the Activity Week Executive Committee attend the conference.
Now, I would like to invite the vice president of China Institute of Navigation, Li Shixin, to introduce the specific arrangements and details of the China Maritime Week 2023.
Li Shixin: Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed members of the media,
Good afternoon!
We deeply appreciate your continued interest and support for China Maritime Day's weekly events.Today, I will mainly introduce the specific details and arrangements of this year's China Maritime Week.
China Maritime Week 2023 commences with an array of activities, bearing the theme "Sail for the New Maritime Silk Road , Heading Towards the New Development Paradigm”. These activities will be held in Cangzhou City, Hebei Province. This marks the first occasion where the "China Maritime Week" will be conducted offline. The expansive activities mainly consist of the following major sections
Firstly, the China Maritime Day Forum. This forum stands as the keystone to our annual celebrations. China Maritime Forum and Opening Ceremony of China Maritime Week 2023 will be held at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning, at the Cangzhou Sports Center. Leaders from the Ministry of Transport and the Hebei Provincial Government will attend the ceremony and deliver speeches. The secretary general of the International Maritime Organization, the secretary general of the World Air Sports Federation, and the president of the Japan Institute of Navigation will deliver speeches via video. This year’s forum will cover 9 themed forums. These forums are from a diverse range of fields, including the International Ship Technology and Safety international mariners, port and shipping companies, Maritime Culture Forum, Dredging, Shipping and Ocean Engineerin, and Sustainable Development of Oceans and Shipping. This year also commemorates the 50th anniversary of China's restoration of its legitimate seat in the International Maritime Organization (IMO). 50th Anniversary of Cooperation between China and IMO Theme Forum is set to invite relevant departments and institutions to discuss and review China's significant role in the Organization over the past 50 years. As we all know, master is the ringmaster of this circus, and Chief engineer officer is general tech lead who oversees all mechanical and electrical installation as well as power equipment on board. They are the carriers of the contemporary spirit of our maritime industry and work to put the spirit into action. This year, master and chief engineer officer Salon will be added to the China Maritime Day Forum, serving as the communication platform for front-line crew.
Secondly, the academic activity. It mainly focuses on the Annual Academic Conference of CIN 2023. The opening ceremony of the academic conference will be held at the Cangzhou Sports Center on the morning of July 12th, during which we will bestow China Navigation Sci-tech Award and China Navigation Sci-tech Outing standing Contribution (Individual) Award. Furthermore, we'll shine a spotlight on emergent scientific topics, engineering hurdles, and pivotal industrial trends in the maritime sector. Five symposiums will be held from July 13th to 14th. They will focus on the modernization of navigation support, innovative development of They will focus on, prevention of collisions between merchant ships and fishing boats, safety carriage of cargo through port and by waterway, and high-quality development of port and waterway engineering and ecological waterway. These sessions will also offer an opportunity to discuss and share scholarly papers relevant to these domains, with a special panel of experts spotlighting excellent submissions. To provide more chances for academic exchange for maritime science and technology workers, we have also collected over 60 papers to participate in the academic poster activity this year, which will be outside the main conference hall in the form of research data, charts, illustrations, etc.
Thirdly, the nautical popularization. Since 2022, we introduced a series of events under the banner of “National Nautical Popularization Week”during China Maritime Week 2022. A series of nautical popularization programs will be organized in National Nautical Popularization Week 2023 mainly center on teenagers and these programs will be more educational, interactive and interesting. This morning, its opening ceremony and the "Navigation Craftsmanship" science popularization lecture were held in the small auditorium of the Cangzhou International Conference Center. This event was jointly organized by the CIN, the Hebei Association for Science and Technology, and the Cangzhou Municipal Government. During the event, 15 members were appointed as Science Popularization Ambassador of China. Leading nautical experts and these newly appointed ambassadors were invited to deliver wonderful science popularization lectures for young people. The China Maritime Summer Camp, which has been suspended for more than three years due to COVID-19, is set to restart this year in Cangzhou, Qingdao, and Dalian. The opening ceremony will take place in Cangzhou on the afternoon of July 12th. Additionally, sixteen teams who excelled in an online quiz and preliminary round are set to compete in the National Maritime Knowledge Quiz finals in Cangzhou on July 14th morning. Meanwhile, the finals of the Speech Contest for Promoting the Navigation Spirit in the New Era will also be held in Cangzhou on the afternoon of the same day, after selecting the candidates in the preliminary contest through video submissions. In addition, more than 1,200 submissions were collected in the National Youth Maritime Calligraphy and Painting Competition and the winning works will be selected for exhibition in Cangzhou. At the same time, more than 70 national popularization of nautical science education bases will hold "Sailing Open Day" activities and organize volunteers to popularize nautical science to the public and provide other services.
Fourthly, the Expo. From July 10th to 13th, the Maritime Science and Technology Expo 2023 will be held at the Cangzhou Exhibition Center, with the theme of "Maritime Science and Technology Innovation Empowers the New Pattern". Through mockups, graphic displays, videos, and other forms, it will showcase the achievements of China's maritime industry development in terms of technological innovation along the whole nautical and related industry chain. The expo will also set a special section of Cangzhou, focusing on the new achievements, products, and technologies in Cangzhou's marine economy and inland waterway transportation development.
Let me share a couple of updates with you:
First, the closing ceremony of China Maritime Week 2023 and the Annual Academic Conference of CIN 2023 will be held on the morning of July 15th. At this ceremony, we will reveal the host location for China Maritime Week 2024 and confer the flag.
Second, the Summit of Building up China’s Nautical Strength will be held on the afternoon of July 11th at the Jinshi Hotel in Cangzhou City. The CIN has invited former leaders from the Ministry of Transport, academicians, representatives from large enterprises and scientific research institutions, as well as senior consultants, researchers, and experts from special and editorial committees of CIN, and China Maritime Think Tank. Centered on leading the new trends of green, low-carbon and intelligent shipping, promoting the digital transformation and upgrading of the shipping industry, effectively addressing the frontier scientific issues, major engineering technical challenges, and industrial development problems faced in the maritime field through discussions and dialogues, and providing suggestions. The summit aims at move faster to boost China’s strength in shipping, maritime, transportation and sci-tech.
To facilitate public understanding and participation in the activities, important events will be live-streamed online during the week. You can watch them on the CIN’s official website, the Ministry of Transport’s official account on Tik Tok and AAuto Quicker, and China Transport News on Weibo and other platforms. Texts, images, and other related content can be found on the themed section of the CIN’s website. Media friends are welcome to follow and report on these events.
That’s all the information. Thank you!
Moderator: Thank you, Vice Chairman Li Shixin. Now, I would like to invite Mr. Liu Qiang, Deputy Secretary-General of the Cangzhou Municipal Government, to introduce the local special activities that combine the Maritime Day events with Cangzhou's shipping culture.
Liu Qiang: Thank you.
July 11th marks the 19th China Maritime Day. On that day, the launching ceremony of China Maritime Day 2023 Forum and China Maritime Week 2023 will be held in Cangzhou. With most activities prepared, we also organized a series of activities with local characteristics to promote and enhance the reputation of Cangzhou by fully utilizing the advantages and resources of the China Maritime Day activities. I will now give you an introduction to these activities.
Firstly, the "Navigation Open Day" event. On June 20th, we invited representatives from schools, students and the general public in Cangzhou to participate in the event under the theme of “Sail for the New Maritime Silk Road , Heading Towards the New Development Paradigm”, aimed at popularizing knowledge of navigational science and promote nautical spirit in the new era. We may use various forms of communication to make achievements in shipping and navigational advancement, technological innovation in navigation, and the development of Cangzhou's shipping industry more widely known. They include the combination of expert lectures with public participation, as well as the integration of science popularization activities, promotional campaigns and exhibitions.
We hope to spread maritime culture comprehensively, inspire the dream of nautical exploration, and it is the perfect way to generate some publicity for China Maritime Week 2023.
Secondly, the Exhibition of Historical Achievements of Huanghua Port. The thematic display boards focus on introducing the status quo, industrial sectors, resource advantages and key construction projects of Huanghua Port. This exhibition was aimed to help the general public gain a better understanding of the history and achievements of Huanghua Port in Cangzhou to boost regional pride and confidence, and promote interaction, cooperation, and win-win development among different regions.
Thirdly, the distinctive promotional activity called the "Mobile Caravan". The launching ceremony took place on July 7th at the entrance of Huanghua City in the Bohai New Area. Subsequently, the mobile caravan traveled to inland cities closely connected to Huanghua Port, making its mark in places like Fuping County, Baoding City and Wutai County, Xinzhou City. Along its route, we carried out promotional activities, friendly exchanges and introduced business cooperation related to China Maritime Day events. Through this caravan's travels, diverse forms of promotion, and simultaneous online and offline publicity, we effectively enhanced the dissemination and impact of the events. On July 11th, the caravan will return to the main venue of China Maritime Week 2023 and park at the square of the Cangzhou International Conference Center, where it will be open for visitors from conference participants and the general public to explore.
Fourthly, the special exhibition and performance under the theme of "Navigating to Cangzhou, Enjoying the Iron Lion City", including local specialties, cultural and creative marine culture, and non-legacy culture and other exhibitions and performances. In order to enhance the interest and appeal of China Maritime Week 2023 and showcase the local cuisine and culture of Cangzhou, we have organized a series of entertainment activities for guests and the general public to participate in. Therefore, we carefully selected 24 organizations across the city, including 5 non-legacy enterprises, 3 cultural and creative enterprises, a "Book Corner" dedicated to maritime(nautical) culture, and 15 food brands of specialties. We have also selected 11 acrobatic and traditional opera performances for China Maritime Week 2023.
Furthermore, we have organized 23 special activities to bring all residents a splendid feast of "Chasing Dreams of Oceans, Striving for a Maritime Power" to all residents, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the city. These activities include the "River and Sea Culture" campus event, the “Red Scarf Aged 6-14 - Exploring Rivers and Seas in Cangzhou” study camp, the "Port Visit" for young entrepreneurs and college students, scientific popularization of maritime knowledge into the communities, stories from the older generation about the port's development history, and interviews conducted by Red Scarf reporters.
Thank you.
Host: Thank you, Deputy Secretary General Liu Qiang. Now for questions, please inform your news institution before you ask.
Reporter from People's Daily Overseas Edition: The theme of China Maritime Day 2023 is "Sailing for the New Maritime Silk Road, Heading Towards the New Development Paradigm". What are the key directions for the water transport industry in serving the construction of the new development paradigm?
Host: Vice-president Li Qing, please answer.
Li Qing: Thank you for your question. Founded in 1956, China Waterborne Transport Research Institute is the earliest and largest waterway transport research institution and it’s the only comprehensive one in China.
Our institute has been attaching great importance to "China Maritime Day" and has deeply understood its spiritual connotation and value of the time. In September, 2008, our institute began to plan and organize the activities of that day. Since 2014, as one of the long-term organizers of "China Maritime Forum", we have been committed to building the "Forum" into a high-end dialogue and communication platform in China's maritime fields. This year, we co-hosted the main forum of China Maritime Day and its eight thematic forums. Also, we organized three other thematic forums, including China International Seafarers Forum, China International Ship Technology and Safety Forum, and the Marine and Shipping Sustainable Development Forum. In addition, relying on the Container Transport Committee and the Waterway Transport Committee of CIN, the Secretariat also organized two seminars of the academic annual conference.
The year 2023 is the first full year for fully implementing the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress. Therefore it is an important year to boost China’s strength in transportation. What’s more, also this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. Against that background, it is fitting that the Committee of China Maritime Day proposed the theme——"Sailing for the New Maritime Silk Road, Heading Towards the New Development Paradigm".
Accelerating the establishment of the new development paradigm is a major strategic decision made by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core in accordance with changes in China's development stage, environment and conditions. As a high-end think tank in the waterborne transport industry, our institute has been deeply studying its development strategy for many years. It is necessary to give full play to the supporting and leading role of waterborne transport in fostering the new development paradigm, so as to better promote the circulation of China's economy and industrial linkages, we should make solid efforts in five aspects like expanding cycle scale, improving cycle efficiency, enhancing cycle kinetic energy, ensuring cycle safety and reducing cycle costs. First, make up for the shortcomings of infrastructure services and expand cycle scale. We should speed up the revitalization of inland waterway shipping and achieve new development across the country. Also we should build a "coastal water highway" and create a golden coastal waterway. Second, promote the construction of a modern logistics system and improve cycle efficiency. We should rely on the new advantages of waterborne transport to build a new system through transport by land and water. We should promote the construction of world-class ports and actively implement the strategy of unimpeded seaports. What’s more, we should accelerate industrial integration and promote the coordinated development of waterborne transport and other industries. Third, adhere to the green and smart innovation of waterborne transport and enhance cycle kinetic energy. It is necessary to balance growth and security, promote green and low-carbon development, and improve safe and green waterborne transport. It is essential to promote the innovation of intelligent shipping technology and management, and the intelligent development of waterborne transport. Additionally, top-tier planning is vital, along with fostering innovative water-based tourism opportunities. Fourth, open up to the outside world at a higher level to ensure cycle safety. We should enhance the flexibility of ocean shipping and maintain the security and stability of the international logistics supply chain. We should actively integrate into the world and build up a new global shipping ecology. Moreover, we should strengthen the emergency response and support capacity of international waterway transport. Fifth, strengthen governance capacity and system construction to reduce cycle costs. Enhancing the business environment for ports and shipping as well as government services are our priorities. We should speed up the reform of key areas of waterborne transport and improve the level of administrative law enforcement. Besides, we should highlight the development of judicial system and accelerate the revision of relevant regulations.
The China Maritime Week 2023 will popularize the navigation science and culture to the public, carry forward the navigation spirit, cultivate and improve the maritime awareness and navigation quality of the people, and give full play to the role of a national and comprehensive carrier and an international exchange and cooperation platform of China Maritime Forum through a variety of activities. We believe this event will boost the construction of China’s strength in marine, transportation and shipping. Meanwhile, it will promote waterborne transport to better serve the construction of a new development paradigm and the high-quality development of the Belt and Road.
Host: Thank you, Vice-president Li Qing. Next one.
Reporter from Xinhua News Agency: CHN Energy Investment Corporation plays an important role in serving the national strategy and ensuring the secure and stable supply of energy. Please introduce your efforts in ensuring energy supply and building a green and smart port and shipping enterprise.
In addition, we interviewed ports of Hebei these days. We found the coal yard of Tangshan port uses a huge closed silo with membrane structure shed while that of Huanghua Port uses intelligent spray measures. Both of them are to prevent dust and pollution. Director Honghai, could you please introduce these two different technical routes and what the superiority of one over the other? Thank you.
Host: Deputy Director Duan Honghai, please answer.
Duan Honghai: Thank you for your question. Dear guests, it is a great honor to speak on behalf of CHN Energy as the interview guest of China Maritime Week.
CHN Energy was established on November 28, 2017 following the merger of China Guodian Corporation and Shenhua Group. The company provides products and services of whole industrial chains including coal, electric power, transportation and chemical industry and CHN Energy is the world’s largest company in coal mining, thermal power, wind power and coal-to-liquids industry. In 2022, it was ranked 85th on the Fortune Global 500 list.
CHN Energy has fully implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress , the instructions of energy work raised by General Secretary Xi Jinping and his significant speech during his visit in Ningxia CTL Corporation, Yulin Energy and Huanghua Port since this year. We made well-conceived plans and promote energy work from a higher position. It was treated as the most significant and pressing task to guarantee stable supplies during peak time. It uses coal to guarantee the security of energy, uses coal power to ensure the stability of electricity and ensure the large-scale development of renewable energy with multiple and rapid measures. By giving full play to the advantages of the integration of "coal, electricity and transportation", it overcomes extreme weather and improves the capacity of ensuring supply in key periods and regions. The amount of its self-produced coal has maintained the peak level of 5,000 tons per month for 20 consecutive months, and its installed capacity of coal exceeded 200 million kilowatts in May. By strengthening safety control and fully implementing its 23 major projects and other 189 projects, it has continuously built a solid bottom line and strengthened the foundation of the energy supply, effectively playing its role of the "stabilizer" and "ballast stone".
On May 11, General Secretary Xi Jinping inspected Huanghua Port and delivered an important speech. He fully affirmed its integrated operation mode and placed high expectations on the role of the port industry in promoting regional economic development and building a modern industrial system. This year, with the goal of "building a large port and developing new shipping", it has carried out special reform of the port and shipping industry, and built a port company with a capacity of 290 million tons and a shipping company with an annual transportation capacity of 240 million tons. The amount of outbound coal, the volume of coastal bulk cargo transport, the efficiency and the per capita benefit are ranked first in China.
In terms of green development, Huanghua Port has been selected as the first group of 3A-level domestic coal port industrial tourist attraction, one of the first two five-star green ports in China and the only five-star green port in China's bulk cargo ports.
Just now the friend from the media mentioned the comparison between our CHN Energy and Tangshan port. In our bulk cargo yard, our group are now using the on-site smart sprinkler system, which essentially inhibits coal dust pollution. There are also some bulk goods stored in silos, which can achieve fully closed storage. The technical difference between us and Tangshan Port should be different paths, which we have actively explored for the green development of China’s ports in the future.
By the end of 2021, our group have finished the renovation of shipborne shore power device for 59 large bulk carriers, which is the bulk cargo fleet equipped with the largest number of shipborne shore power device in China and is also the pilot project of the Ministry of Transport for strong transportation, setting a benchmark for green shipping development. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the new coastal shipping capacity of the fleet will focus on the layout of methanol dual-fuel vessels.
In terms of technology leadership, smart ports have realized emerging information technologies such as AI, 5G, and the Internet of Things. More than 90% of the business is operated online, and the visualization rate of key indicators of the smart management platform reaches 100%. We will strive to build the world's leading and China's largest new energy intelligent sailing fleet in about five years, with the intelligent sailing mileage reaching 1 million nautical miles.
Next, CHN Energy will resolutely shoulder the responsibility and mission of the backbone energy state-owned enterprises, coordinate energy supply and transformation, do the work well in flood control and summer energy supply, and ensure coal and power supply, playing the role of the stabilizer and ballast stone. We will continue to deepen the strategy of building a country with strong transport, give full play to the leading role of scientific and technological innovation, promote the deep integration of transport with modern high and new technologies, actively explore innovation in smart technologies and boost the construction of China’s strength in marine, technology and transportation.
That’s all. I expect to strengthen the industrial cooperation and exchanges with the participating units through this activity, and I sincerely invite all colleagues to visit CHN Energy.
Host: Thank you, Deputy Director Duan Honghai. Next one.
Reporter from China Media Group: This year is the 19th China Maritime Day. Over the past decade, its activities have been enriched with increasing influence. Under the current new paradigm, how can these activities better build a broad exchange platform, gather consensus on development, and help accelerate the construction of a country with strong maritime power, technology and transportation?
Host: Vice Chairman Li Shixin, please answer.
Li Shixin: Thanks for your asking. Since its establishment approved by The State Council in 2005, China Maritime Day has played a positive role in popularizing navigation knowledge, enhancing maritime awareness and promoting the development of navigation and the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative. How to further enhance the influence of its activities and elevate the communication platform have always been the focus of our attention. In 2014, the China Maritime Day activity was changed from the celebration to Maritime Forum; Since 2022, it has been expanded into China Maritime Week. The thematic contents of the Forum have covered a wider range of fields with more participating institutions. At the same time, the nautical sci-tech innovation, academic exchanges, think tank discussions, exhibitions and other contents have been included. According to preliminary statistics, there were more than 30 special activities at the home of China Maritime Week this year, with more than 230 participating units and institutions, involving the whole field of navigation; more than 20 related international institutions, organizations and enterprises participated in the event.
China Institute of Navigation is a scientific and technological organization. Its purpose is to carry forward the navigation culture, build the nautical academic exchanges and technical service brand, promote scientific and technological innovation and personnel training, and serve the construction of a country with strong maritime power, technology and transportation, which is in line with the purpose of China Maritime Day. Under the guidance of the Committee of China Maritime Day, we work together with the organizers to enhance the influence, leading power, authority and universality of China Maritime Week from the following aspects, so as to better serve the national strategy and the construction of the new development paradigm.
Firstly, establish a renowned forum brand in the maritime industry worldwide. Since its inception, the China Maritime Forum has undergone continuous practice and refinement, gradually forming a structured framework known as "1+N." This framework consists of a main forum complemented by multiple sub-forums focusing on ships, seafarers, port and navigation enterprises, as well as maritime culture. In recent years, additional forums have been introduced to address topics such as marine environmental protection, dredging, shipbuilding projects, and other special forums has been added related to the International Maritime Organization and the development of shipping in the host cities. The main forum has expanded its authoritative content, including industry trends, key research and development achievements, and exemplary advancements, further enhancing its authority and universality. In the future, we aim to fully leverage the strengths of organizers and co-organizers, enhance resource integration and sharing, invite more industry leaders, academic elites, and authoritative experts from both domestic and international circles to participate in the forum activities. Our focus will be on maritime and marine development issues that garner global and domestic attention, promoting intellectual and technological exchanges, fostering consensus for development, and ultimately building the China Maritime Forum into a high-level international platform for communication.
Secondly, establish a platform showcasing technological innovation achievements that integrate government, industry, academia, research, and application. In recent years, the integration of the China Navigation Academic Conference and the Maritime Science and Technology Expo into the Maritime Day activities has significantly enhanced their academic leadership and facilitated the promotion and transformation of scientific and technological achievements. Distinguished academicians have delivered high-level academic speeches at the conference, disseminating key research findings and engaging in scholarly discussions and exchanges regarding major scientific challenges, engineering difficulties, and industrial development issues within the maritime field. Over the past two years, the conference has received more than 300 research papers, providing a platform for young scientists and technologists to present their work through presentations, expert discussions, and poster exhibitions. Moreover, the conference also recognizes outstanding contributions by presenting the China Maritime Science and Technology Progress Award, Invention Award, and Outstanding Contribution Award, while simultaneously promoting and acknowledging outstanding maritime science and technology professionals and young talents. The Maritime Science and Technology Expo not only serves as a venue to showcase technological innovation achievements but also creates opportunities and conditions for the transformation of these achievements and facilitates commercial negotiations.
Thirdly, build a platform for promoting maritime cultural development and upholding the spirit of maritime exploration in the new era. During the opening ceremony of the China Maritime Week in 2022, the Organizing Office of the Maritime Day Committee, in collaboration with the All-China Seaman's Union and the China Institute of Navigation, jointly issued a "Call for Upholding the Spirit of Maritime Exploration in the New Era". This year, we have organized a speech competition to promote the spirit of maritime exploration in the new era, receiving over 70 video submissions. The final round of the competition will take place on the afternoon of July 14. In addition, we have invited esteemed individuals such as Bao Qifan, the "King of Grappling Hooks", Bai Xiang'en, China’s first female captain to navigate through the Arctic Ocean, and Zhai Mo, who completed the first solo unpowered circumnavigation of the globe in the history of China, and so on. These figures, serving as ambassadors for promoting maritime culture, disseminating knowledge about navigation, and upholding the spirit of maritime exploration in the new era, will engage in discussions and dialogues with the public, especially young people, and carry out public welfare publicity during the Maritime Day.
Finally, build a platform to showcase the maritime culture of the host city and promote the development of related local industries. The China Maritime Week brings positive impacts and development opportunities to the host cities. In 2021, the main venue for China Maritime Week was set in Kunming. Although the offline activities had to be temporarily adjusted to online format due to epidemic prevention and control, it provided an opportunity for many people to learn about Kunming as the hometown of Zheng He, and the annual Zheng He Tourism and Cultural Festival held in Kunming City effectively promoted local economic development. In 2022, the main venue was Dalian City, an important international maritime transportation center and logistics hub in northern China. During the Maritime Day period, events such as the High-Quality Development Forum for Dalian Northeast Asia International Shipping Center and the Dalian University Sailing Exhibition were held. We believe that Cangzhou City, as this year's main venue, will also reap many benefits from the Maritime Day activities.
That’s my answer, thank you for your question.
Host: Thank you Deputy Chairman Li Shixin. Here comes the last question.
Journal from Hebei Daily: Please list some effects and advantages of hosting China Maritime Day to the development of Cangzhou and its industry.
Host: This question is for Deputy Secretary-General Liu Qiang.
Liu Qiang: Thanks for asking.
The hosting of the China Maritime Week in Cangzhou has provided an important platform and strong support for enhancing the port's influence and opening competitiveness. Seizing this opportunity, our city will adhere to a development strategy that focuses on the sea, striving to become stronger through maritime endeavors. We will emphasize "port-led industrial development, industrial-driven urban growth, and the harmonious integration of port, industry, and city." The goal is to comprehensively build Canzhou into a modern coastal economic powerhouse with competitiveness, attractiveness, and carrying capacity, in order to contribute its strength to the construction of a modern Hebei province in the context of China's overall modernization. The impact on Cangzhou's development of and the benefits from this event can be summarized in the following aspects.
The first aspect is to provide intellectual support for the planning and construction of Huanghua Port. There are more than 30 special activities in the main event of this year's Maritime Week, involving many contents such as theme forums, academic exchanges, and think tank seminars, which have built a platform and enriched the carrier for deeper discussions and exchanges. I sincerely hope that experts and scholars in various fields can form more innovative ideas in the collision of ideas, especially according to the General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions on the planning and construction of Huanghua Port, put forward more insights and form more intellectual achievements, and help build Huanghua Port into a multi-functional, comprehensive and modern port. The city will also fully absorb and learn from the valuable opinions of all parties, actively integrate into the current planning and construction of Huanghua Port, comprehensively promote the transformation and upgrading of the port and resource integration, optimize and improve the functional layout of the port, and further enhance the radiation of the port, the competitiveness of opening up and industrial agglomeration.
The second aspect focuses on gathering valuable resources for the development of industries near the port. During the China Maritime Week, our city will comprehensively showcase the advantages and characteristics of Cangzhou's industries near the port, including green chemicals, biopharmaceuticals, and the marine economy. This serves as a crucial component of our investment promotion and cooperative negotiations. Throughout the event, numerous business elites and company representatives will gather in Cangzhou to participate in various activities. We will actively engage in networking, deepen practical cooperation, and strive to achieve substantial results. We hope to reach investment intentions and tangible outcomes with more companies during this event. Furthermore, we encourage entrepreneurs and high-level professionals to seize the opportunities and advantages presented by Cangzhou's development to bring their industrial projects to Cangzhou, and contribute innovative achievements to the city. Together, we aim to build Cangzhou into a robust hub for industries near the port, sharing development opportunities and creating a brighter future.
The third aspect involves bringing new improvements to urban development. The China Maritime Week plays a significant role in enhancing Cangzhou's visibility and expanding its circle of friends. Our city views the successful organization of this event as an important way to enhance the city's quality and showcase Cangzhou's image. This initiative is integrated with the goals of creating a national civilized city and a national health city, actively incorporating maritime themes. It not only creates a vibrant atmosphere during the activities but also showcases the vitality of urban development. Moreover, it further ignites the enthusiasm and drive of cadres and the general public to jointly create a beautiful and happy Cangzhou. We aim to accelerate the progress of a more aesthetically pleasing, refined, and enjoyable living environment. We hope that friends from both home and abroad will take the opportunity to explore the banks of the Grand Canal and visit Huanghua Port during the event. By experiencing the charm and vitality of the city through the tranquil Grand Canal and the rhythmic tides of the Bohai Sea, they can truly appreciate the vibrancy and allure of this city.
That’s all.
Host: We are grateful for the response from Deputy Secretary-General Liu Qiang.
We sincerely appreciate the questions raised by our media friends and warmly welcome everyone to actively participate in and report on the various events of China Maritime Week.
Once again, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Deputy Chairman Li Shixin, Deputy Secretary-General Liu Qiang, Deputy Director Duan Honghai, and Deputy Dean Li Qing. With that, today's press conference comes to an end. Goodbye!