XUWEI port area, a new port area at eastern China's Lianyungang port, has officially commenced operation, Xinhua reports.

According to Lianyungang port's development plan, there will be a 300,000-tonne deepwater navigation channel and 116 medium and large berths at the new port area, which mainly handled crude oil, liquid chemical, bulk and containers.

There are 28 projects finished at the Xuwei port area, costing CNY18.39 billion (US$3.04 billion). The port area's handling capacity will reach 100 million tonnes in three years and 200 million tonnes by 2020.

In 2014, the new port area will start the second phase of the 300,000 navigation channel and build 12 berths. It will also start building a comprehensive bonded zone. In five to 10 years time, the Xuwei port area will be developed into a growth lead of harbour-front industries and an ocean gateway for the Silk Road.Retail Imports up in Jan2