Officials from Ningbo sign agreements for nine shipping logistics industry projects in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province, on Dec 15. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

Ningbo in eastern Zhejiang province signed agreements to build nine major shipping logistics industry projects in the city on Dec 15. 

The city has become a significant hub for international shipping logistics in recent years, with the turnover of Ningbo Shipping Exchange for 2016 reaching 5.43 billion yuan ($786 million) in November, up 21 percent year-on-year. 

Now, Ningbo is looking to upgrade its shipping logistics industry to stimulate further growth. The nine projects, which will see Ningbo collaborate with shipping giants such as Eumex Ningbo and Donghai Marine Insurance Company, will focus on support services for the industry, including shipping big data, shipping financial insurance and shipping talent development programs.