An agreement signed between Jiangsu Zhongyang Group, JD Fresh and the Hai'an government is expected to boost the development of modern agriculture in the city. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

Jiangsu Zhongyang Group Co Ltd, JD Fresh – the fresh food arm of Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com and the Hai'an city government – signed a strategic tripartite agreement on March 30 that is expected to have a big long-term impact on the metropolis' economy.

The aim of the accord is to boost the modern agricultural development of Hai'an – a county-level city administered by Nantong in East China's Jiangsu province – through the internet.

With the rapid development of the internet economy and modern agriculture, the relationship between the two has become increasingly close, while the distance between production and consumption is still said by many to have remained wide.

The agreement outlined a new development blueprint for the joint venture, the establishment of an industry integrating the internet and agriculture, as well as wider rural revitalization.

With its abundant agricultural resources and strong local features, Hai'an is rich in globefish (puffer fish), laver (edible seaweed) and silk. The expectation is that cooperating with JD Fresh will open up more promotions and marketing channels for the city's agricultural products through the internet, as well as boost the development of industries linked to agricultural products.

Zhao Yu, JD Fresh's general manager in charge of marine products, said that Hai'an's agriculture was growing at a pace with the local economy and already had a strong influence in East China.

Favorable conditions in transport and logistics were said to contribute to the JD Fresh's decision to invest in Hai'an. The rich variety and premium quality of Hai'an's agricultural products were reportedly other significant factors, in line with the development plans of JD Fresh.

Qian Xiaoming, president of Zhongyang Group, said the company was a leading enterprise in its sector. Using its brand Zhongyang Fish World, the group had established a complete market network taking root in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces and Shanghai city and spanning the country, Qian added.

The agreement with JD Fresh is expected to enable more consumers to have access to Zhongyang's premium-quality seafood products.