A major Chinese developer has set a new standard for fishing ports with a development in the wealthy city of Zhuhai, bordering Macau.
Part of the state-owned conglomerate of the same name, Gree Real Estate, has unveiled the first phase of the Hong Wan fishing port with new docks, seafood handling facilities, and accommodations for fishermen under the central government’s plan to rejuvenate fishing ports.
The 2018-2025 National Coast Fishery Port Building Plan offers incentives to private capital to invest in port facilities, with many developers attracted by access to land for real estate projects like apartment blocks built next to the fishing ports.
A media visit to the Hong Wan port led by Gree publicity executives revealed cold stores and a wholesale market and restaurants as well as docks all built to high quality specifications. Gree is hoping to attract tourists by boat and road from the massive casinos and amusement parks in nearby Macau, the world’s biggest gambling destination by revenues.
Published last year after being compiled by the National Development & Reform Commission (which advises government on policy formation) the 2018-2025 plan pledged investment to improve berthing and safety facilities at fishery ports.
The government earlier this year also signaled that reform of fishery fuel subsidies would include driving investment into port facilities – according to authorities, such investment “encourages social investment [a preferred term for private] money” into the revitalization of China’s fishing ports.
The agricultural ministry on 3 July published its response to a proposal from this year’s meeting of the National People’s Congress – which meets every March – to produce a “Strategy to Revitalize Fishing Ports.” The ministry’s response, titled “Response to Proposal Number 8077,” pledges “clear increase in investments into fishing ports,” but also makes clear the investment will include new systems for recording landings and traceability at fishing ports.
Photo courtesy of Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
