Beijing, April 29 (Xinhua) (Reporter Ruan Yulin) The Ministry of Natural Resources of China announced on the 29th that China's marine economy had a good start in the first quarter. Preliminary calculations show that the gross marine product in the first quarter was 2.6 trillion yuan (RMB, the same below), an increase of 5.4% year-on-year.

　　The share of the marine economy in the national economy remained stable. In the first quarter, the gross marine product accounted for 7.8% of the gross domestic product, driving national economic growth by 0.4 percentage points.

　　In the first quarter, China's new orders for marine vessels, completed marine vessel volume, and held marine vessel orders all rose comprehensively, with the international market share continuing to rank first in the world. The marine transportation industry grew steadily, with national marine freight volume and cargo turnover increasing by 6.8% and 9.4% year-on-year, respectively. The marine tourism industry is generally improving.

　　During the same period, emerging marine industries continued to grow. The capacity for marine resource allocation steadily improved. The production of marine crude oil and natural gas increased by 5.1% and 7.7% year-on-year, respectively. The world's first 20-megawatt offshore wind turbine was connected to the grid in the Fujian sea area, with an annual power generation expected to exceed 80 million kilowatt-hours. The national marine aquatic product output increased by 4.3% year-on-year. Nationwide, 589 new sea and island use projects were added, with an approved sea and island use area of 53,000 hectares, involving an investment amount of 252.3 billion yuan, an increase of 35.9% year-on-year.

　　An official from the Marine Strategy Planning and Economic Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources stated that overall, China's marine economy showed a positive trend in the first quarter, with new momentum growing rapidly, achieving a "good start." However, the current domestic and international environment is complex and volatile, with intertwined external disturbances and increasing risks and challenges. The foundation for stable progress in the marine economy still needs further consolidation. (End)