From January to April 2020, the cargo and container throughput of Fangchenggang Port increased by 18.7 percent and 43.2 percent respectively, with the growth rate ranking first among major coastal ports in the country.

According to the Guideline on Advancing the Development of Western Regions in the New Era issued by the State Council on May 17, Beibu Gulf ports are encouraged to be built into port groups with strong international competitiveness.

"A set of incentives, such as reduction of port construction fees, will be applied in the future, which will bring great benefits to Fangchenggang, a city built on ports and prospering through ports," said Li Yanqiang, Party secretary of Fangchenggang and a deputy to the National People's Congress.

According to Li, Fangchenggang has now become the most important bulk transshipment center in the southwest region and an emerging cold chain container distribution channel.

In the future, the city will focus on major strategies, such as the western development, the western Land-Sea Trade Corridor, and transportation construction. A group of large-scale deep-water terminals and waterways will be built, while port-based industrial clusters will be developed to help enhance the international competitiveness of Beibu Gulf ports.

Li suggested that more efforts should be made in planning and investing in the construction of the western Land-Sea Trade Corridor, relaxing the approval policies for land use and sea use for port construction, supporting the construction of large-scale wharfs in Beibu Gulf ports, as well as supporting Beibu Gulf ports in expanding trade cooperation with ASEAN countries.