Ding Xuexiang Attends the Opening Ceremony of the Pinglu Canal for Navigation

On the morning of September 16, Ding Xuexiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, attended the opening ceremony of the Pinglu Canal to navigation in Qinzhou, Guangxi. The ceremony was held at the Madao Hub of the Pinglu Canal, where representatives of relevant departments from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and the Ministry of Transport, as well as project builders, delivered speeches on site. At 10:25 that day, Ding Xuexiang announced the opening of the Pinglu Canal to navigation, and the ships then sounded their horns and set sail. While inspecting the progress of the project, Ding Xuexiang said that the completion and opening of the Pinglu Canal to navigation were thanks to the support of all parties and the longterm efforts of the builders. He pointed out that navigation should serve as a new starting point to build the Beibu Gulf International Gateway Port to a high standard, promote greater opening up in western regions, and make greater contributions to building a new development pattern. Subsequently, Ding Xuexiang boarded a vessel for a cruise to learn about the operation of the canal waterway and the ecological protection along the banks. He said that the Pinglu Canal is an important piece of infrastructure for the New Western LandSea Corridor, and that operational management, capacity assurance, and cargo source organization should be strengthened to promote the coordinated unity of economic, social, and ecological benefits.