Meanwhile, he advised related authorities to ease market permits in the sector, allowing domestic and foreign companies to operate shipping services including finance, insurance and chartering in the city.

"The international hub status, once achieved, will make the city a pivotal point connecting China with the countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative and a beachhead in advancing cross-Straits economic cooperation and exchanges," Xia commented.

In 2017, Xiamen Port maintained its growth momentum despite a general slack picture in the industry globally. The port's throughput hits 10.38 million TEUs in the year, ranking it 14th in the world.

Xiamen Port's throughput hits 10.38 million TEUs in 2017, ranking it 14th in the world. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]