Premier Li Keqiang conducted an inspection tour of Weihai port in Shandong province on April 19.

Weihai port mainly serves the surrounding countries as well as Europe and US, with most good exported from China’s eastern coastal regions.

Ports play a significant role in pursuing opening-up which has largely boosted the development of eastern regions, while the central-western regions need to catch up with eastern region in terms of opening-up. Weihai port should further expand its network to the central and western regions, said Premier Li.

Referring to the much higher export volume in the first quarter compared with the import figure at the port, Premier Li said, China, as a world trading power, should pursue trade balance rather than trade surplus.

“While expanding exports, we should also increase imports, especially high-tech and quality products, to enhance consumers’ purchasing experiences, which in turn will force domestic enterprises to upgrade their own products,” said the Premier.

Premier Li Keqiang makes an inspection tour to Weihai port in Shandong province on April 19.

Premier Li Keqiang makes an inspection tour to Weihai port in Shandong province on April 19.

Premier Li Keqiang makes an inspection tour to Weihai port in Shandong province on April 19.