The city government of Quanzhou in Fujian province is building a special team to put it at the forefront of international economic and cultural cooperation by carrying out 10 key projects and 180 related programs.

The city, before a starting point for the historic Maritime Silk Road, now takes inspiration from that legacy and aims to become a more open and developed city on the 21st century version of the route.

The move is set against the backdrop of the nation's "one belt and one road" strategy that calls for closer bonds and trade ties between China and surrounding countries.

According to the city's development and reform commission, the team is led by the secretary of the municipal Party committee and the mayor.

The team is now compiling and revising a range of plans and strategies that will be submitted to gain approval and support from the central government.

It has already identified 39 policies that need to be backed by the nation in sectors including taxation, finance, culture and trade.