Authorities in Yantai, Shandong province, have pledged to develop the city's e-commerce industry by drawing on support from its close business relations with South Korea and its rich farm produce resources.

An industrial park focusing on e-commerce will be completed by 2017 and major e-commerce enterprises will be introduced in the park, integrating e-commerce, logistics and related training services.

Zhifu district administration is responsible for the management of the park and will try and attract international companies to set up regional headquarters or service centers inside the park.

The park is being set up to counteract the downturn in trade, stimulate an expansion of the market and support technological advancements in the electronic information sector.

Government officials plan to make the most of the China-South Korea Free Trade Agreement signed in June 2015 to help the park grow in coming years.

South Korea is Yantai's largest trade partner. The majority of trade activities take place in the Yantai Economic and Technological Development Area, the engine of economic and industrial growth in the city.

Yantai's rich farm produce will enjoy wider distribution channels after the park's establishment. Famous vermicelli and apple brands are expected to be introduced to the South Korean market through the e-commerce platform.