Field production scene of  Rizhao Port [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] 

Rizhao Port of Shandong Port Group (SPG) is considered the most valuable strategic resource, most important development platform, and most famous brand in Rizhao city. Since the establishment of SPG, Rizhao Port has endeavored to promote port-city integration, which has galvanized the development of related industries such as steel, grain and oil, and pulp.  

In April, the CPC Rizhao Municipal Committee and the Rizhao People's Municipal Government published a plan to integrate the development of ports and cities, focusing mainly on the integration of planning, industry and platforms. On June 22, the goal of building world-class sea ports was written into Rizhao's government work report, and the government further stressed the importance of an energy pivot for northern China.

The launching ceremony for port-city integrated projects to be carried out by SPG and Rizhao was held in the North China Consumer Products (Rizhao) Distribution Center on July 25, during which 22.8 billion yuan ($ 3.5 billion) in investment was pledged to five projects focusing on logistics, industrial parks, cruise culture, and tourism.

According to officials, during the 14th Five Year Plan (2021-25), Rizhao Port is expected to adopt a series of preferential policies to attract skilled workers and industries such as steel, finished vehicles, components and parts, petrochemicals, and pulp trade. In addition, the port will extend its reach to surrounding areas and build a modern industrial system for port-related sectors, in a bid to deepen port-industry-city integrated development.

"Going forward, relying on Rizhao port, more high-quality port-related service industries and high-tech industries will be developed in the city, which will turn the port into a powerful driving force for the high-quality development of Rizhao," said Wang Yufu, deputy general manager of Rizhao Port.

Strong ports bring major projects and industries to port cities, and port-related industries deliver benefits to ports in return. On Nov 27, the cargo throughput of Rizhao Port totaled 400 million tons, reaching that mark 27 days earlier than last year. According to officials, its annual throughput is expected to be 430 million tons.