Tourism Wharf For Xisha Islands Under Review

By Ng Che Yean BEIJING, April 27 (Bernama) -- The Hainan provincial Department of Ocean and Fisheries will review a wharf construction project in Jinqing Island of the Xisha Islands. In a statement, the State Oceanic Administration said the project, covering over 333 hectares of marine area, would provide services and materials for the future development of tourism and fishery industries in the South China Sea. "A private company would invest in and carry out the project," it said, without naming the company. The department said the construction plan for another wharf project in the South China Sea was under discussion at the administration. Meanwhile, Xinhua News Agency quoted vice governor of Hainan province, Tan Li, as saying China planned to open Xisha Islands to tourism this year. -- BERNAMA