The port of Dalian in northeast China's Liaoning Province had handled 700,000 TEU (Ton Equivalent Unit) of containers by December 17 this year, a rise of 40 percent over 1998.

The total volume for the year is expected to reach 720,000 TEUs, said a port official.

This increase is resultant from an extensive domestic and overseas promotion drive waged by local authorities, and improved services at local customs facilities, the official said.

In addition, a number of new container shipping lanes have been opened from Dalian to various other major domestic and foreign ports. (Xinhua)