The International Chamber of Shipping (China) 2012 held in Xiamen on Sept. 20 has invited more than 700 experts and specialists worldwide. China’s Vice-Minister of Transport Xu Zuyuan, Xiamen Municipal Communist Party Leader Yu Weiguo, and Chairman of China Ocean Shipping Group Company (COSCO) Wei Jiafu addressed the forum’s opening ceremony.

Following the 2011 focus on balanced breakthroughs, this year’s annual meeting focused on building order to share in future prosperity. It has provided great opportunities for Xiamen to adopt new mechanisms and models during the shipping industry’s transition period. Yu pledged that the city will press ahead supportive reforms to improve major port constructions, accelerate business automation, and upgrade information platforms and logistics service in the international waterway.

Xiamen has closely followed State policy in building the Southeast International Shipping Center, a strategic project across the country to boost marine economy and attract overseas investment. It was heavily discussed along with topics including the emerging market, business prospects, and mutually beneficial solutions for domestic and international companies.

The forum was first held in 2004 and has become a dominant platform for global shipping companies to share experiences in marine transportation, shipping business and port management. COSCO President Wei Jiafu believed that joint development will build confidence among industry leaders.