Liangjiang has to adapt to China's "new normal" of slower economic growth and promote its functional construction to accelerate Chongqing's opening-up, said Tang Zongwei, deputy secretary of the Liangjiang administrative committee, during the national two sessions in Beijing.

According to Tang, Liangjiang has a great transportation advantage. The Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe Railway, which essentially connects Liangjiang with European countries, has been in operation for two years. The Yangtze Golden Waterway has connected Shanghai with Chongqing, opening up the Pacific. The Chongqing-Kunming Express Railway will also connect Liangjiang with South Asia and Southeast Asia.

"Adhering to the country's 'One Belt One Road' initiative and Silk Road initiatives has been emphasized as Liangjiang's new mission and new challenge," said Tang.

Liangjiang New Area's functional constructions will include an inland international logistics distribution center, international trade center, advanced manufacturing research and development center, and open economy service base.

Tang also pointed out that construction of Lianglu Cuntan Bonded Port has made significant progress last year, and a diversified trade pilot project will begin here in March that will encourage enterprises to carry out more offshore trade.

Edited by Michael Thai