This coastal city is speeding up construction of its port facilities to seize the opportunities created by China's further opening to overseas markets.

"In the coming 10 years, the handling ability of the port will be doubled to 50 million tons a year," said Gao Baoyu, director of the Authority of Yingkou Port in Northeast China's Liaoning Province.

Located in the Bohai Sea and close to major cities in Northeast China and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the port has seen a rapid increase in cargo transportation in recent years, connecting to more than 120 ports in the world.

Last year, its transportation capacity reached a record 25 million tons, including 200,000 standard containers, which doubled that in 1995, Gao said.

The port will primarily focus on construction of the docks handling coal, cars, refined oil and chemicals to meet the increasing transportation demands of the local economy.

In the next five years, six new piers will be completed, with an investment of 1.58 billion yuan (US$ 190.3 million).

Gao said the port's channel will be deepened to let in 10,000-ton cargo ships by June.

To match the port's expansion, construction of a large distribution centre and grain storage facility will soon get under way.

In addition, widening of a highway connecting the port with the expressway running across the province will be completed.

After completion of the projects, the port will help improve the transportation network in Northeast China, where the railway system used to take priority, said Gao.

"Now, the railway authorities are our partners in the development of the port," said Gao. The Shenyang Railway Bureau - which is responsible for the railway system in the region - arranges cargo transportation for the port.

( China Daily January 30, 2002 )