Wheels turning to create New Silk Road

BEIJING - China is planning a "New Silk Road" that will run through Central Asia and continue into Europe facilitating improved transport and trade.

The road will complement a planned "Silk Track" railway that will also boost connections with Europe and the countries in between, officials and experts have confirmed.

Sources with the Xinjiang highway administration said construction will soon start on a 213-km expressway between Kashgar and Erkeshtam. The road is expected to be put into use in September 2013.