A design sketch of the China-Japan (Qingdao) Local Development Cooperation Demonstration Zone [Photo/qingdaonews.com]

The China-Japan (Qingdao) Local Development Cooperation Demonstration Zone, which is under construction in the Qingdao West Coast New Area, is poised to boost operation with Japan, local media reported.

According to local officials, the zone, which is now speeding up construction, has introduced seven projects from Japan with a total investment of about 2.8 billion yuan ($432.32 million), while another 20 projects are in the negotiation phase.

The zone, approved by the National Development and Reform Commission in 2020, boasts the only national demonstration zone in the field of energy conservation and environmental protection between China and Japan.

Measuring 10.6 square kilometers, the demonstration zone will focus on energy conservation and environmental protection industries, strengthen cooperation between China and Japan in technological innovation, product research and development, high-end manufacturing and other fields, so as to lead a new model of green and low-carbon development.

Qingdao West Coast New Area will give full play to its policies as a State-level new area and pilot free trade area to facilitate the development of the zone, said local officials.