The State Council approved the opening of five docks around Ningbo city and Zhoushan city in Zhejiang province.

In addition, a planning program for the establishment of a free-tax zone in Zhoushan port is also set to be approved.

"Zhoushan port's opening up will directly promote the production capacity of industrial projects involving energy, chemical and ocean engineering," an official at the port management office in Zhoushan said.

The official also said the move will attract more investors to Zhoushan and that currently the construction of the new industrial area needs capital inflow.

The government will provide 20.5 million yuan ($3.23 million) in subsidies to the newly approved project.

According to the government's plan, a new industrial area with ocean equipment manufacturing, marine plants, as well as electronic information and logistic projects will be established.

baochang@chinadaily.com.cn