Vice premier stresses opening-up through modern Silk Road

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli (C, front) visits the railway container center at the International Trade and Logistics Park of Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Oct. 9, 2014. Zhang visited Xi'an for a symposium on the development of a "Silk Road Economic Belt" and a "21st Century Maritime Silk Road" on Friday. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

XI'AN, Oct. 10  -- Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli on Friday asked for greater efforts toward building the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

He made the remarks while chairing a meeting in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province. The meeting was attended by officials from Shaanxi, Xinjiang and Fujian, as well as other regions involved in the "One Belt, One Road" project.

The strategy was put forward by President Xi Jinping, while Premier Li Keqiang arranged the strategy, Zhang said.

The first step is to make logical plans. Local governments should build on their comparative advantages, rather than swarming towards low-level projects, Zhang said.

More should be done in cooperation with countries along the routes in sectors such as energy and resources, agriculture, manufacturing, services and the maritime economy, he said.

The strategy should be carried out in a mutually beneficial way with new economic growth points cultivated for sustainable and healthy growth of the economy and society, he said.