Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region will accelerate the construction of the international channel for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Beibu Gulf International Gateway Port, aiming to become an aviation transit hub connecting China and ASEAN countries for passengers and cargo, officials announced on Sept 22.

A signing ceremony for matchmakings between banks and companies in major infrastructure projects was held on the same day to push forward construction in areas like transportation networks and the Internet of Things (IoT).

The Nanning-Chongzuo high-speed rail, an important line connecting China and ASEAN, is currently under construction. Stretching 119 kilometers with a designated speed of 250 km per hour, the railway is scheduled to be put into operation in 2022.

Guangxi has launched an implementation plan to push forward the planning and construction of highways linking areas outside Guangxi, as well as the renovation and construction of airports like Baise Bama Airport and Fangchenggang Airport.

The region will speed up construction for the land-sea transportation channel linking the Belt and Road through initiatives like operating sea-rail combined transport business in Chongqing, Sichuan, and Guangxi, as well as carrying out the regular operation of shipping routes from ports in the Beibu Gulf to destinations including Hong Kong, Singapore, and Europe. 

In addition, cross-border trade facilitation pilot projects between Guangxi and ASEAN countries, such as Singapore and Vietnam, will be promoted.