A container carrier loads containers at Ningbo Zhoushan Port. [Photo/WeChat account: zjzsrbs]

Zhoushan and Ningbo celebrated the second anniversary of their integrated development on Aug 16.

According to Pan Xizhong from the Zhejiang Provincial Seaport Investment & Operation Group Co Ltd, the integrated development has resulted in two key achievements: the Ningbo Zhoushan Port has topped the world's cargo throughput for 12 consecutive years and the Ningbo Zhoushan International Shipping Center is ranked among the top 10 in the world.

The integration of the two cities has also enabled mutual recognition of primary- and medium-grade professional titles, the creation of online job fairs and the establishment of 11 studios for high-profile professionals.

The two cities have made achievements in infrastructure connectivity, public service sharing, and social governance cooperation as well.

The recently published assignments for the integration of Ningbo and Zhoushan in 2021 show that residents in either of the cities will enjoy the same treatment in medical care, education, tourism, transportation, and finance when visiting the other.

Zhoushan and Ningbo share a close relationship not only in geographical location, but also in history, culture, and customs.

In recent years, the Ningbo-Zhoushan Railway, the Ningbo-Zhoushan Expressway and the cooperation in port economy have laid a solid foundation for the integrated development of the two cities.

The ultimate goal of integration is to build a community of shared interests, said Lai Qi from Zhoushan Writers Association, who notes that the building and sharing of public services will further drive comprehensive integration of the two cities.