The launch ceremony for a research center for legislation was held at Zhejiang Ocean University in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province on Dec 19.

The center was jointly established by the standing committee of Zhoushan, the city's municipal government and Zhejiang Ocean University in an effort to improve the city's abilities in creating laws.

The center consists of several different research groups focusing on the legislation affairs for urban and rural construction, environmental protection, and history and cultural promotion, among other things.

Zhoushan, an archipelago-based city, was granted local legislative powers in September 2015.

A number of experts, scholars and lawyers from universities, government departments, enterprises and law offices have been designated as counselors at the center.

The counselors will carry out research on legislation and governance to help promote institutional innovation and improve the business environment in the city.