Qingdao will ratchet up the number of its blue industry brands, up to some 20, this year by means of brand strategy.

Sources from the Development and Reform Commission in Qingdao confirmed on April 7 that the government would foster dozens of corporations in the blue industry this year. The so-called “blue industry,” or the industry hinging on marine resources, has grown rapidly in Qingdao for its natural geographical location.

The Qingdao municipal government encourages reshuffles of enterprises, including Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Industry Company Ltd., Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Company Ltd., Bright Moon Seaweed Group, Huanghai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., and Vland Biotech Group. In order to promote the process of going public, the government supports international, cross-regional, cross-industry and cross-ownership mergers through funding, technology and market.

Qingdao, a famous port city in Shandong province, eastern China, features many tourist attractions. It served as the venue for the sailing races during the 2008 Olympics, and has been host to the much-celebrated Qingdao International Beer Festival for 22 years.