The university will give courses in marine science, aquatic products, marine engineering and other ocean-related fields. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone will establish a new school, Pingtan Ocean University, to promote talent cultivation for Fujian province's marine industry and economic development. Construction for the school will start in January 2013.

Run by the Fujian Provincial People's Government and the State Oceanic Administration in the People's Republic of China, the university will receive faculty and research support from Fuzhou University, Fujian Normal University, Fujian University of Technology and Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is expected to become a pilot base for cross-Straits education and cultural communication.

The university will give courses in marine science, aquatic products, marine engineering and other ocean-related fields. It will also offer studies in information engineering, energy, the culture and creative industry, tourism and medicine.

The university plans to enroll 25,000 students at full capacity. It will accept 5,000 students in its first semester.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Michael Thai