On Sunday, China announced a new initiative to boost the development of its western provinces with 15 strategic measures aimed at improving logistical infrastructure. According to the General Administration of Customs, the measures are going to target transportation networks which integrate rail, air, river, and sea connections in the region.
The main projects are developing international aviation hubs in cities such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Xi’an, and Urumqi. Comprehensive bonded zones will be set up under the initiative and will relate to ports and other vital transportation links. Several ports will be built or expanded in the plan.
The western regions consist of Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, Xinjiang, and Tibet, which have two-thirds of the country’s land area. However, over the years, the western region has been one of the lowest regions in China’s economic development history. Although the central government, represented by the capital city, Beijing, had long focused on reducing this difference, the ethnic tensions and tough security measures were put in place to maintain the unity of the nation and borders, which resulted in criticism by Western nations.
As part of efforts to reinvigorate these regions, China’s Politburo urged the development of a “new urbanization” policy to foster rural development, enlarge poverty alleviation programs, and improve energy resources. Improved connectivity between Western China and Europe and South Asia also has been part of the efforts, through upgraded rail freight corridors.
These steps represent an integral part of China’s overall strategy to emphasize its underdeveloped provinces on the western side, where connectivity and trade are built to spur local growth.
