The Jilin provincial government published opinions in support of Hunchun's opening-up and development last year, granting the city more autonomous rights and independence in reform and opening-up.

Local residents can now directly apply for private passports and entry permits to Hong Kong and Macao from Hunchun. The city did not have that right, and the procedures could only be transferred to the superior authority in Yanbian.

Last year, Hunchun implemented 220 key projects with investment of 224.9 billion yuan ($34.5 billion). Zijin Mining project came into operation, and its annual production value has hit more than 6 billion yuan. Part of the Republic of Korea Pohang Modern International Logistics Park has been opened. Youngor International Clothing Industry Park will be finished and put into operation soon, and its annual production value is expected to be about 3 billion yuan.

According to the city government, Hunchun will carry out 260 key projects with investment of 230 billion yuan.

Gao Yulong, Hunchun Party chief, said the provincial government's strong support is crucial for the city's opening-up to Russia, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the ROK.

A railway connecting China and Russia that goes through Hunchun saw an 85.4-percent increase of its annual freight transport volume in 2015, transporting 1.13 million metric tons of cargo. In the first quarter of this year, the railway's freight handling volume reached 720,000 tons, three times that of the same period last year. The freight can be shipped directly to Pusan in the ROK after reaching Russia's port city. A waterway for international trade connecting Hunchun and Rajin in the DPRK was also opened. Hunchun has become a door to the sea for Jilin.

(China Daily 05/20/2016 page10)