Local authorities in Taizhou City of east China's Zhejiang Province have been encouraging and supporting private enterprises to participate in port construction and operations through reform measures, which effectively stimulates the economic vitality of its coastal areas.
Jiantiao Port, as the first private port terminal in Sanmen County, has received 124 ships since the start of this year.
A few years ago, the shoreline resources laid idle due to the successive closure of nearby shipyards. It was at this time that Chen Rongxi, who was in the building materials business, saw the potential of the shoreline here and decided to invest in building a port terminal. However, the initial progress of the project did not go smoothly.
"It was so difficult. Constructing a dock involves not just one or two departments but more than ten. At that time, we thought that once we bought the land, we could proceed, but it turned out to be more complicated than we had initially thought," said Chen, general manager of Taizhou Hengtou Industry and Trade Co., Ltd.
In response to the challenges faced by Chen, a dedicated task force was established locally to reexamine approval procedures. Multiple departments collaborated to promote the project, resulting in the creation of a new pathway for private enterprises to participate in port operations.
At present, what used to be hundreds of pages of approval materials have been condensed into a single concise checklist.
While streamlining processes, the local authorities have proactively introduced reform pilots, broadening development opportunities for private enterprises.
Recently, Sanmen has been upgraded to a national first-class open port, expanding its functions from domestic transportation to international trade. "Building on the pilot reforms here, we can develop these shorelines all at one time," said Dai Yong, director of Sanmen County Port and Shipping Development Center.
Recognizing the new opportunities brought by reforms, an increasing number of private enterprises are participating in the local port construction.
"We will focus more on the development needs of enterprises, especially private enterprises, continuously deepen pioneering explorations at the grassroots level, and liberate and develop productivity through reform measures," said Ren Yijiang, deputy director of the Sanmen County Party Committee Office, Taizhou.
East China's Zhejiang encourages private investment in port development, operation
