2009 Qingdao Blue Economy Summit Forum, with the theme, "Blue Economy Leads the Future", is being presided over by Long Yongtu, a famous Chinese economist who is also Secretary-General of Boao Asian Forum. It is focusing on such topics as strategic and high-tech development of the ocean, ocean management and related policies, ocean energy exploitation and resource utilization, and biological and environmental protection.

The forum is part of the 2009 Qingdao International Sea Festival, which began August 9 in the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center. The 20-day festival will include four types of activities: an "ocean forum," ocean sports, naval activity and ocean culture travel, as well as a boat show and bar and beach festivals.

Schedule of the Festival:

August 10th—12th: 2009 China Qingdao Blue Economy Summit Forum

August 15th: The "Zhongneng Cup" Sampan Competition. Local universities and naval academies will take part in a boating competition.

August 20th—25th: The "Lushang Cup" Sailing Championship, which will invite up to ten teams from Japan, ROK, Hong Kong, Russia, Belgium, and other countries to participate.

August 25th: The inaugural "Mayor's Cup" Dalian-Qingdao Shengli Company Ltd. Sailing Race, will begin in Dalian and finish in Qingdao three days later.

August 11th—27th: A series of public activities such as Fishing and Swimming Competitions will be held.

August 21st—23rd: Asian-Pacific Travel Expo, will exhibit Asian countries' travel resources, natural sceneries, traditions, customs and folklores.

August 28th: The "Sailing City Beauty Championship" will invite ladies from across China to display their beauty, youth and fashion sense.

Bar and Beer Festivals will run throughout the entire Sea Festival. During the Sea Festival, a Seafood Cooking Competition will also be held.

(China.org.cn)