Construction has begun on the China Western Science and Technology Innovation Port in the Xixian New Area in Xi'an, Shaanxi province.

Shaanxi governor Hu Heping attended the launch on Feb 26 to mark the official start of construction on the project jointly carried out by the Ministry of Education and the Shaanxi Provincial Government.

Occupying about 330 hectares, the innovation port will be used for scientific research, education, technology incubation and comprehensive innovation services, according to construction plans shared by Zhuang Changxing, vice governor of Shaanxi province. After construction is completed, the port is expected to attract at least 500 domestic and foreign enterprises.

It is expected to play a significant role in promoting the development of western China and serve as an innovation center and bridgehead of China's Belt and Road Initiative, Principal of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Wang Shuguo, said at the ceremony.

Yue Huafeng, director of the Xixian administrative committee, said Xixian authorities would fully support the project to ensure construction is finished by the end of 2018. Supporting facilities, such as accommodations, a hospital and a school will also be constructed. After Metro Line 5 starts operations, it will only take 35 minutes to travel from Xi'an Jiaotong University's Xingqing campus to the innovation port.