At a press conference held by the Provincial Government Information Office, it was announced that the World Maritime Equipment Conference 2024 will take place in Fuzhou from November 15 to 18 with the theme of “Carrying the Dreams of Humanity to New Horizons.” The event will demonstrate national strategies and Fujian’s advantages, focus on key areas of marine equipment, collaborative innovation in industrial chains and supply chains, industry-academia-research cooperation, talent exchange, economic and trade matchmaking, and the transformation of results. Representatives from international organizations in the marine field, leading marine equipment nations, and countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative will be invited to attend, creating a world-class event for the marine equipment industry.

　　Four Key Highlights

　　Create a Premier Marine Equipment Event

　　The conference will feature an opening ceremony, trade matchmaking activities, and keynote sessions hosted by the Fuzhou Municipal Government, along with seminars and boat displays. The event follows an international, professional, branded, and market-oriented approach, continuing its focus on global marine equipment, and will highlight four key aspects to create the highest standard international gathering for the marine equipment industry.

　　Uphold Global Perspective. Officials from BRI countries, representatives from international organizations such as the UN Economic and Social Council, and prominent figures including academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Engineering will attend. Additionally, leading experts from the marine equipment sector, heads of large multinational corporations, and industry representatives will share insights on promoting technological innovation, and industrial ecosystem construction, and discuss marine equipment development trends and critical technologies. The conference will also invite representatives from classification societies, professional associations, shipowners, and shipping companies from nearly 10 countries, including the United States, Italy, and Norway, as well as eight domestic industry associations such as the China Association of National Shipbuilding Industry.

　　Leverage Professional Platform. Shandong Province, a strong marine industry hub, will be the Guest Province, showcasing marine equipment achievements and sharing industry news, transforming the event into a comprehensive service platform that integrates professionalism, openness, and interaction.

　　Promote Distinctive Brand. This year marks the 30th anniversary of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s “Maritime Fuzhou” strategy. During the conference, achievements in the development of “Maritime Fuzhou” will be reviewed, following the strategy’s guiding vision to systematically trace the progress of the marine industry over the past 30 years—from traditional fishing and aquaculture to a high-tech maritime economy. The event will showcase the strengths of Fujian’s maritime equipment industry and its policy benefits, further elevating the “Maritime Fujian” brand on a larger scale.

　　Emphasize Pragmatism and Efficiency. The conference will establish a platform for showcasing, communication, and cooperation across the entire industrial chain by organizing industry sharing and cultural exchanges, facilitating precise matchmaking between high-quality upstream and downstream suppliers in the marine equipment industry, and supply-demand projects. During the event, the Fujian Marine Economy Industry Cooperation and Innovation Development Conference will be held, inviting representatives from central enterprises, foreign enterprises, state-owned enterprises, and private enterprises. This will provide opportunities for deeper, broader, and more advanced discussions, aiming to bring major marine economy projects to fruition.

　　Diverse Concurrent Activities

　　Promote Industry Interaction

　　The 2024 World Maritime Equipment Conference will feature a wide array of exciting activities, including seminars, boat shows, and more.

　　China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) will host the China Ocean Equipment Expo, bringing together shipbuilders, marine equipment professionals, and suppliers from around the world. This collaborative event will link global high-quality resources and showcase the latest trends in the world’s marine equipment industry. The expo is expected to attract over 10,000 professional visitors and cover an area of 100,000 square meters. The indoor exhibition will be held at the Straits International Convention and Exhibition Center, with 15 exhibition zones covering marine dual-use technology, advanced ship manufacturing, smart technology equipment, green power equipment, and more. Outdoors, a yacht exhibition zone will be set up. The Expo will also host the first “China Shipbuilding Industry Annual Conference” and release the “Blue Book on Shipbuilding Industry Development” for the first time, with Norway participating as the guest country.

　　The conference has carefully planned 11 seminars, focusing on key areas such as ship electrification and smart fisheries, while also striving to deepen exchanges on marine technology and culture. Renowned experts and academicians from both domestic and international circles will contribute new ideas for the industry’s development.

　　During the conference, boat shows will be held at the Wharf of Foochow Arsenal 1866 Culture Scenic Area and Citychamp Dartong Marina, featuring research vessels, law enforcement boats, and cultural exchange vessels. Citizens and tourists will be invited to board and experience the vessels firsthand. This year’s yacht exhibition will showcase not only international brands and major domestic manufacturers but also over 30 local Fuzhou cultural tourism brands. Additional water sports equipment will be on display, along with a variety of interactive activities designed to create a yacht-themed “Wave-Chasing Festival.”

　　In addition, a series of cultural and tourism activities will be organized during the conference, focusing on three thematic routes: Cultural Axis, Poetic and Picturesque Minjiang, and Charming Seaside and offering a selection of high-quality travel itineraries. Visitors will have the chance to experience the cultural heritage and refreshing ecology of Fuzhou, a coastal and scenic city.

　　“Maritime Fuzhou” Achieves Significant Results

　　Preparations Proceeding Smoothly

　　Fuzhou, born by the sea, thriving because of the sea, and honored through its maritime expansion, is one of the first 14 coastal open port cities in China. Over the past 30 years since General Secretary Xi Jinping proposed the “Maritime Fuzhou” strategy, the city has steadfastly followed the blueprint, advancing its maritime ambitions without deviation. Fuzhou has consistently promoted the construction of “Maritime Fuzhou,” accelerating its development as a national demonstration zone for the marine economy. The marine GDP has grown from 3.9 billion yuan in 1993 to 325 billion yuan in 2023, ranking third among all prefecture-level cities in China and first in the province.

　　With the support and guidance of relevant ministries and commissions, Fujian Province has been dedicated to organizing the conference according to the principles of “creating impact, showcasing uniqueness, building a brand, and delivering practical results,” establishing it as a highly international, professional, and distinctive platform for international cooperation and exchange. To date, over 700 guests have been invited, including more than 230 international participants. Preparations for project matchmaking, achievements display, and other activities are progressing smoothly. (Fuzhou Daily, reporter Yan Lanping)