Dalian pitched as a regional growth engine

The overall layout of Northeast China's opening-up should be coordinated, and Dalian, Liaoning province, should be supported to play a leading role, injecting fresh impetus into the region's comprehensive revitalization, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress suggested.

"We need to create a cohesive and integrated approach, truly positioning the region as a pivotal hub for the nation's opening-up and cooperation with Northeast Asia," said Wang Qiyao, head of the Standing Committee of the Dalian People's Congress.

Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces and the eastern part of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region should further share port resources, and deepen cooperation with the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and the Yangtze River Delta region, he suggested.

During the ongoing fourth session of the 14th NPC, when the Liaoning delegation held interviews with reporters, Wang introduced the unique advantages of Dalian.

He highlighted how Dalian benefits from a confluence of national strategies, enjoys a unique geographical location as a transport hub and has fostered a sound business environment and open ecosystem.

Situated at the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula with a coastline stretching 2,211 kilometers, Dalian is a frontier of Northeast China's maritime expansion, with opening-up being a defining characteristic.

The city has high-level open platforms such as the pilot free trade zone and the comprehensive bonded zone, making it one of the sub-provincial cities in China with the most comprehensive mix of open functions.

"Dalian's leading role will be further strengthened," Wang said. "We will work collaboratively with relevant cities and provinces to transform the Liaoning coastal economic belt into a new high ground for Northeast China's opening-up and jointly build the northeast land-sea corridor, converting our geographical strengths into a winning edge for development."

Noting that Dalian will host the Summer Davos Forum and an APEC Senior Officials' Meeting this year, Wang extended a warm invitation to friends from around the world to visit, exchange ideas and seek cooperation, becoming partners in the comprehensive revitalization of Liaoning and the wider Northeast China.

The northeastern port city is mapping out its development path for the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30). A guideline adopted at a plenary session of the Dalian municipal committee of the Communist Party of China in November outlined the city's major goals, including a significant enhancement of its opening-up capabilities.

"The city will leverage its core geographical strengths, explore new dimensions for cooperation and lead high-standard opening-up with institutional innovation, striving to be a pacesetter in the comprehensive revitalization of Northeast China," said Wang.

zhangxiaomin@chinadaily.com.cn