China’s rising river line

Overview

Developing the Yangtze, the world’s major cargo-carrying river, is a top priority in unlocking the potential of China’s inland provinces, a major policy objective of the Hu Jintao administration. Though slower than roads and railways, water transport provides significant cost savings, as well as offering ecological advantages. Modernisation of Yangtze ports began in 2000, but much remains to be done. The authorities are keen to attract foreign investors as projects grow in complexity...