URUMQI, April 1 -- Construction on a logistics complex that will deepen bilateral trade between China and Pakistan began in Tashkurghan Tajik Autonomous County in Xinjiang.

According to the local government, the project covers an area of 883 mu (about 58 hectares) southwest to the county and will take a total investment of 3 billion yuan (464 million U.S. dollars).

The first stage of the three-stage project includes an Internet service administration center, a cross-border e-commerce enterprise incubator, and a modern warehousing and logistic center.

In the meantime, a comprehensive transportation system, especially for cross-border cold-chain logistics, will be further developed. RMB settlement will be introduced as well.

Further stages will see the completion of a commodity exhibition center, manufacturing and assembly factories, hotels, entertainment facilities and vehicle maintenance station.

The county of Tashkurghan sits 3,200 meters above sea level in the Pamirs, linking Xinjiang's Kashgar and the port city of Gwadar in Pakistan.

The county's Karasu Customs, China's only land port open to Tajikistan and an important post along the planned China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, officially opened last year after 10 years of preparation.