A major outlet to sea via Hong Kong and Macao will be opened for Southwest China, according to the Ministry of Communications.
The major outlet will include a deep-water navigation channel from Funing in Yunan to Nanning of Guangxi, the Xijiang navigation channel from Nanning to Guangzhou, which will be connect up to Hong Kong and Macao region. It will serve a shipping thoroughfare for Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan and Chongqing in Southwest China.
The populous Southwest China is rich in natural resources and has a great market potential. However, inaccessibility has hampered the economic development in the region.
The project is proposed by three members of the Ninth National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).
(Xinhua News Agency March 12, 2002)
