Northwest China's Shaanxi Province is making efforts to build itself up as the largest transportation hub linking China and Central Asian countries located along the ancient Silk Road, Governor Lou Qinjian of Shaanxi Province said at a press conference in Xi'an, the capital of the province, on May 21.

"Shaanxi has positioned itself as being the new starting point for the Silk Road Economic Belt and a key area for the reform and opening up of China's inland," said Lou.

Situated in central China geographically, Shaanxi is the best option for accommodating industrial transfer from East China or the world at large. It also serves as the transportation hub linking inland China, the Eurasian Continental Bridge and the maritime Silk Road, and stands as the largest logistics transit center lying along the Silk Road, Lou said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Silk Road Economic Belt during his state visit to Kazakhstan last September. Xi called for all countries along the Silk Road to enhance cooperation with neighboring countries on facilitating transportation links, trade, currency and civil communication. The proposal has been well received by many neighboring countries.

In history, China's northwestern provinces and regions maintained close relations with their Central Asian neighbours. In particular, Xi'an served as the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. At present, Shaanxi has established an inland international logistics base and a number of transportation lines including railway, road and flight routes between itself and Central Asia.

In addition, since last year, Shaanxi has reached a higher level of economic cooperation with Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan in the areas of energy, industry and modern agriculture, according to Lou.

The press conference was hosted by the State Council Information Office in response to a media group launching cross border coverage under the theme of the Silk Road Economic Belt. The media group will embark upon its journey in Xi'an on May 21 and will wrap up its tour in Turkey on June 12.

(Reporting from Xi'an, Shaanxi Province)