Xi: Chongqing could become international logistics hub

CHONGQING, Jan. 6, 2016 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd R F) talks with workers during his visit to Guoyuan Port in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Jan. 4, 2016. Xi made an inspection tour in Chongqing from Jan. 4 to 6. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

CHONGQING, Jan. 6 -- President Xi Jinping has asked southwest China's Chongqing, the start point of a transcontinental railway to Europe,to build itself into an international logistics hub in the hinterlands.

During his visit to the city from Monday to Wednesday, Xi visited port, highway and railway projects.

At Guoyuan Port, a modern transportation hub still under construction, Xi said the "Belt and Road" initiative has provided a bigger platform for Chongqing to "go global" while development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt will help Chongqing to better integrate with central and eastern regions.

He urged building Chongqing into an international logistics hub in the hinterlands and a leading inland open economy.

Xi also visited the Chongqing branch of BOE, where he praised the company's superior technology and branding and urged it to step up research and development.