QUANZHOU, Mar 14 (GCTL) - China's coastal provinces are trying to become the key hubs along the new "Maritime Silk Road", a national initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation with the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Fujian is one of the areas that has been actively engaged in developing its ports, particularly the one in Quanzhou, a city recognized by UNESCO as the starting point of the maritime road, said Zheng Xincong, mayor of Quanzhou.
"Although the pertinent authorities are still doing research to decide which provinces will be involved, Quanzhou is in full swing to upgrade the ancient port," Zheng said, adding that improving the port's customs clearance is high on the agenda of the local government.