Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd R F) talks with workers during his visit to Guoyuan Port in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Jan. 4, 2016. Xi made an inspection tour in Chongqing from Jan. 4 to 6. (Photo: Xinhua/Li Tao)
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed appreciation for the social and economic achievements made by Chongqing in recent years during his inspection tour to the southwest Municipality.
Xi said he hoped the municipality will play a pivotal role in the strategy to develop the nation's western parts, in addition to integrating its growth into the Belt and Road Initiative and the construction of the economic belt along the Yangtze River.
He made the remarks during his first inspection tour of 2016 in Chongqing from Monday to Wednesday.
The Belt and Road Initiative is comprised of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.