Local authorities in the city of Rizhao in China's Shandong Province have announced the establishment of Rizhao Mineral Import and Export Association, targeting improvements in the mineral sector and aiming to provide support for local mining enterprises.
In 2011, total iron ore imports at Rizhao port came to 107.8 million mt, accounting for 15 percent of total Chinese imports of iron ore in the given year. Xin Weihua, chairman of Rizhao Mineral Import and Export Association, commented, "We are targeting a concentration of strength and an improvement of industrial services, thus enhancing our international competitiveness."