Solid foundation laid for rapid growth

Based on its geographical advantages and solid economic foundations, Shijiazhuang, the capital of Hebei province, will strive to boost its overall development in the near future, local officials said.

It has an extensive transportation network that includes a 70-minute high-speed railway connecting the city to Beijing.

"The city government of Shijiazhuang will make best use of its geographic advantages to promote local economy by setting up a development plan that includes Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province, which is crucial for Shijiazhuang's future development," said a local official who declined to be named.