HAIKOU — China has designated a national-level marine economic development demonstration zone in its southernmost island province of Hainan.

Meng Qinglei, deputy county chief of Lingshui, said on Dec 9 that Lingshui Li autonomous county has been approved by the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of National Resources to demonstrate an advanced marine economic development.

Lingshui is located in southeastern Hainan, boasting 118.57 km long coastline and 1,898.9 square km of sea areas.

With rich resources of beaches, islands, scenic bays and mangrove forests, the region has assimilated big Chinese firms like China Shipbuilding Industry Corp, China Electronic Technology Group Corp and R&F Properties.

Meng said Lingshui is eyeing building high-end maritime amusement, deep sea fish farming, ocean fishing and marine high-tech and information industries.

Currently under construction is the R&F Ocean Paradise project and a deep sea fish farm platform measuring 250,000 cubic meters, which is expected to boast highly automated facilities.