China's transport ministry described 2019 as a fruitful year in terms of high-quality development.
Officials said at least 320 million yuan (about US$46 million) has been invested in transportation projects over the past 12 months. One of this year's highlights includes the official launch of the Beijing Daxing International Airport. Further efforts for smarter and greener transportation across China are expected in 2020. For example, manned toll stations will soon be replaced by electronic collection systems at provincial borders – allowing for faster and easier travel between neighboring provinces.
"In 2020, we will continue adhering to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought, implementing new development concepts, and speeding up the construction of a strong transportation system. We will ensure that the second UN Global Conference on Sustainable Transportation is well organized next year, and continue to advance the modernization of governance systems and capabilities in transportation," said Wu Chungeng, director of policy studies department of China's Ministry of Transport.
2020 will also mark the end of China's 13th Five-Year Plan – a series of initiatives for social and economic development across the country. And a robust and reliable transportation system is said to be crucial in meeting those goals.