SHENZHEN authorities plan to invest CNY10.4 billion (US$1.25 billion) on upgrading transport facilities in the city this year.

The director of the Shenzhen Communication Bureau, Liu Zhi-jia, said nearly half the amount will go towards the development of the port areas in Shenzhen.

Mr Liu said Shenzhen will build a number of new container berths this year, including Phase 3 of Yantian Port and five deepwater berths at Shekou. The new berths are expected to boost the handling capacity at the Shenzhen port by 1.3 million TEU and cargo volumes by 12 million tons. In addition, the areas to the east and west of the Shenzhen port will be expanded to ensure the smooth flow of cargo to and from the port.

Mr Liu predicts that the Shenzhen port will handle more cargo this year as the Pearl River Delta continues to enjoy strong economic growth. The official expects Shenzhen's container throughput to rise 22 per cent year-on-year to 13 million TEU, and cargo volumes to grow to 125 million tons in 2004, an increase of 12 per cent compared to the previous year.