by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

On Sunday, 5 January 2025, China's General Administration of Customs (GAC) announced 15 new measures to promote large-scale development in the country's western regions.

According to the country's national media, these measures aim to enhance the integration of various transport links, including rail, air, river, and sea, in western China.

The GAC's plan includes developing international aviation hubs in cities such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Xi'an, and Urumqi. Additionally, comprehensive bonded zones will be developed and integrated with ports and other transport links.

The measures will support the construction of ports across the western region and promote coordination between facilities, further boosting development through openness.

Chinese media outlet The Global Times reports that the measures will include expanding ports in areas that meet designated criteria, supporting the construction of smart ports, and improving port functions.

Western China, comprising 12 provincial-level regions, covers two-thirds of the country's land area and is home to over a quarter of its population.

Despite its vast size, the region has lagged economically compared to the eastern provinces due to limited infrastructure and sparse population.

The new measures aim to boost connectivity with international trade partners and drive economic growth in the region.