By Ding Qi (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2007-08-21 17:26

An overview of the Beilun Port in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province [chinadaily.com.cn]

Of all the sea ports scattered along China's coastal area, only one is never neglected due to its international significance, yet few know anything more than its name.

"Beilun Port is known as the crown of China's ports. Once you get to know it, you'll find the port as well as the surrounding both hugely attractive," Li Yonghui, vice party secretary of Beilun district of Ningbo, told journalists from ten major online media groups on Monday.

Located in the middle of the Chinese coastline and facing the vast Pacific Ocean, Beilun Port hopes to use a unique geographic edge to become world famous. Its 18.2-meter water front depth can provide access for vessels of up to 250,000 tons fully loaded. And with the exception of occasional interruptions from typhoons, the port can be operated over 350 days in a year, according to local officials.

The increasing international trade volume of China in recent years has further lifted the port's status. "In 2006, Beilun Port handled a total cargo throughput of 300 million tons, and has ranked second of all ports in China for seven years in a row, and fourth place in the world. At present, Beilun Port operates lines to more than 560 ports in over 90 countries and regions worldwide," Li pronounced the figures proudly.

However, people of Beilun did not settle for the success of the port itself. Instead, they began to pursue another dream - integrating the resources of the port to boost the economic development of the whole Beilun District.

As early as 1984, the State Council approved the establishment of the Ningbo Economic & Technical Development Zone (NETD) in the Beilun area as one of 14 State-level development zones, inaugurating the opening up and innovation of the region. In the past decade, three other State-level development zones emerged in Beilun District, according to Li.

Combining the fast flow of raw materials from the port as well as talents and technology introduced by the development zones, a sound relationship between the port and the neighboring Beilun District is taking shape.

"Last year, gross domestic product (GDP) of Beilun District reached 47.6 billion yuan (US$6.3 billion), or US$7,656 per capita, making it the richest area of Ningbo. In the first six months of this year, local GDP increased by another 13.1 percent. Disposable income of local residents rose almost 10 percent from a year earlier. Beilun District is becoming an important state-level base for energy and raw material" Li said.

Is this the end of Beilun's development? Most people here shrug off the suspicion.

One of the government's objectives is for Beilun District to stick to the strategy of "enhance the district through the port" and strive to double both the region's GDP and fiscal income by 2011. By accomplishing that, Beilun Port, together with its surrounding area, will fortify its strategic position in the Yangtze River Delta area, according to Li.

Will that dream come true? We have reason to wait with high hopes.

A night view of the Beilun Port in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province [chinadaily.com.cn]