A rendering of China Rudong (International) Seafood Wholesale Market [Photo/WeChat account: dream8086]

An international seafood wholesale market is expected to be established in Rudong county, Nantong, Jiangsu province, costing around 2.1 billion yuan ($296.97 million) and covering an area of 250 mu (16.67 hectares).

It will mainly focus on the seafood wholesale and also deal with business in vegetables, fruits and meat. In addition, it also involves functional services for cold-chain logistics, warehousing, processing, catering, exhibitions and more.

It will develop close cooperative relations with markets around the country and seek to become a world-class comprehensive seafood distribution center.

The market is funded by a subsidiary of Xinnonglihe Group Co, an agricultural company and a pioneer in agricultural transformation and rural revitalization listed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

The fishing port in Xiaoyangkou town, Rudong is the only national-level central fishing port in coastal areas of central Jiangsu province, and the seafood in the county enjoys a high reputation around China, which is expected to boost the development of this market.

Rudong is home to over 1,000 varieties of seafood, including more than 50 rare seafoods. The county has China's largest production base of clams and lavers, and was honored as the "hometown of seafood in China" in 2007.