The Ocean Decade Cooperation Center (ODCC) officially opened in Qingdao, Shandong province on Feb. 15, 2022. (Courtesy Photo)

By LIN Yuchen

A Qingdao -based international cooperation center, named the Ocean Decade Cooperation Center (ODCC), officially opened its doors last month. It intends to boost China's ocean governance and economy in accordance with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). The UN-endorsed Decade Collaborative Centre on Ocean-Climate Nexus and Coordination opened at the same time.

The ODCC was a tripartite endeavor of the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Shandong Provincial Government and Qingdao Municipal Government. 

It will draw on the advantages of the West Coast New Area of Qingdao, whose annual average gross ocean product growth has been around 16.1 percent since its establishment in 2014.

The center is expected to foster collaboration across various fields including marine research, cross-border shipping and finance, and the development of ocean think tanks, as well as ocean industries.

The pilot free trade zones, along with cooperation pacts such as Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, are expected to play roles in leveling up the future growth of Qingdao.

The ocean industries require innovation in science and technology, and such innovations must derive from international cooperation, said Li Tiegang, official from MNR, adding that while accommodating China's national conditions, "We will work to introduce and promote advanced philosophies and business management structures, and give full play to their advantages in the field of marine research."