Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri signed a letter of intent (LOI) with China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) and Shanghai’s district of Baoshan aimed at creating a cruise ship industrial park.

Under the deal signed on May 31, the three parties will engage in the creation of a hub, mainly dedicated to cruise, as well as shipbuilding and maritime activities in an effort to develop these segments whenever it is technically and economically feasible.

One of the aims of this government programme is the enhancement and specialization of the entire Baoshan region. The district is China’s largest commercial and cruise port, today representing the most developed region of the country in the cruise sector.

Namely, the district will provide financing, tax commercial and administrative benefits, land for necessary development and other resources, in the light of a possible establishment of foreign companies, introduced by the partners.

Fincantieri and CSSC will promote the park in their supply chain network, and in the industry as a whole, as a foundation for the companies which want to access to the opportunities of this project.

The signing of the LOI took place at the Baoshan District, during a workshop about the “One Belt, One Road” initiative, and it follows the sealing which took place in February in Beijing.

During that occasion Fincantieri signed a binding agreement with CSSC and Carnival Corporation for the construction of two cruise ships, with an option for additional four, the first units of the kind ever built in China for the Chinese market.