A large food processing base is being planned for Pingtan, Fujian province, according to local media on Jan 7.

A computer rendition of a large food processing base being planned in the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone in Fujian province. [Photo/pingtan.gov.cn]

The base is a joint venture by a Taiwanese food company and the Jinrong (Fujian) Industry Co, and will be mainly engaged in deep processing of aquatic products, fruit, vegetables and other kinds of food.

The 500-million-yuan ($81 million) project will take up an area of 84 mu (5.6 hectares) in Aoqian town. It will have a refrigeration unit with a capacity of 70,000 tons, a workshop with a large production line, a warehouse, an office building and a laboratory, according to Wang Jianfeng, a supervisor of the project.

It is notable that the base will adopt advanced technologies, such as vacuum cooling, individual quick freezing and differential pressure storage, for its products in a bid to keep their freshness and nutrition.

“The onset of its operation means the aquatic products will be used more efficiently with a higher additional value. It will also boost other industries such as aquatic breeding, packaging and even transportation,” said Wang.

“More importantly, the project will provide more convenience for Taiwanese fishermen, and contribute to cross-Straits fishery cooperation and trade.”