A marine products drying vessel, Hua Sheng Yu Jia 1, is launched in Taizhou. [Photo/WeChat account: tzfb001]

Taizhou in East China's Zhejiang province reported steady growth in its marine economy in the first quarter, driven by industrial upgrading, innovation, and infrastructure development. Marine output growth exceeded overall GDP by 1.6 percentage points.

The city's modern fisheries sector continued to expand, with total aquatic production reaching 337,800 metric tons, up 5.11 percent year-on-year. Marine manufacturing became a key driver, with the added value of shipbuilding rising 42.8 percent. Marine engineering equipment output increased 20.3 percent.

Marine tourism continued to grow, with major coastal road and tourism integration projects under construction and seasonal consumption campaigns launched to promote coastal travel.

Port operations remained stable, with cargo throughput reaching about 21.8 million tons and container throughput reaching 223,000 twenty-foot equivalent units.

On the innovation side, Taizhou expanded provincial-level marine industry platforms and advanced several scientific research programs. New research centers and university partnerships were also established to strengthen collaboration.

Investment in marine-related projects remained strong, with 100 major projects included in provincial plans and the total planned investment exceeding 30 billion yuan ($4.4 billion).

The city will further develop an integrated modern marine industry system to support long-term economic growth.