Economic belt project to boost trade

Heilongjiang's government is working on an economic belt project to further open up the northeastern province and make it a new economic engine in the region.

Last year the provincial government suggested developing the "East Land and Maritime Silk Road Economic Belt" against the backdrop of the nation's "One Road One Belt" initiative. The scheme draws inspiration from the ancient overland and marine Silk Roads and aims to develop wider connections and more cooperation between China and the world.

Heilongjiang province has long been an important trade partner for Russia and is home to 25 State-level dry ports for cross-border trade.