Reform and opening-up ushers in new chapter in Jilin's development

A province with ever-expanding global connections

CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles implemented subway train programs in 39 countries, including Australia, the US and Thailand. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Being an old industrial-based province, Jilin has promoted itself to and connected with the world in recent years. According to statistics, most ports and international railways recorded an increase in import and export volume in 2017. A total of 64 countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative have signed cooperation agreements with the province.

Over the past decades, a number of zones have been built to encourage international trade, including Changchun New Area, Hunchun International Cooperation Demonstration Zone and Changchun Xinglong Free Trade Zone.

Hunchun, a city located in Jilin province's Changchun-Jilin-Tumen Development Pilot Zone, close to the Sea of Japan and bordering Russia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, has become a key hub for China's Belt and Road Initiative, increasing its income from regional trade by launching more links with neighboring cities and countries.