Pingtan should make great efforts on the construction of the National Island Research Center, to make it a world-class institution in the field of sea-land studies, said Hong Jiexu, vice governor of Fujian province on Oct 23.

A computer rendering of a science building of the National Island Research Center in Pingtan, Fujian province. [Photo/pingtan.gog.cn]

Fujian and the State Ocean Administration agreed on October 2012 to launch the island research center in Pingtan, an island county in eastern Fujian.

Taking up an area of around 100 mu (7 hectares), the Center will be dedicated to research into the exploitation and protection of China’s islands, and provide a service for island administration, economic development as well as the ecology.

Hong, after hearing reports on the construction of the Center, praised the work of the authorities and workers, and encouraged them to keep up the momentum.

The Center aims to rise to the top of its class in the world. To achieve that goal, Pingtan should accelerate the construction while improving its facilities, he said.

In the meantime, the Center can enhance the recruitment of professionals with more favorable policies and incentives, he suggested.

The Fujian provincial Government will also further keep the construction and operation of the Center smooth, he said.

The Center is another calling card for Pingtan, which will thereby promote its image. And Pingtan will give full support to its construction, said Li Dejin, director of PCPZ’s administrative committee.