Provincial leaders in Henan have outlined key plans for hub construction, industrial upgrading and high-level opening-up during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period at a news conference in Zhengzhou, the provincial capital, on Thursday, laying out clear paths to build an opening-up highland.

Governor Wang Kai said Henan aims to strengthen its role as a national strategic hub and develop a high-quality inland opening-up area.

In the coming years, Henan will seek to build a circulation hub for the national unified market and create a dual circulation hub serving both domestic and international markets, he said.

"The biggest characteristic and advantage of Henan is its ability to connect the East and West, the South and North. This unique geographical and transportation advantage makes Henan stand out in the construction of a unified national market," Wang said.

Wang emphasized that Henan would focus on upgrading transportation and logistics by promoting integrated, safe, digital and green transformation of its transportation system.

"Henan plans to enhance international connectivity, reduce logistics costs and expand network coverage, while strengthening modern logistics corridors and hubs," Wang said.

According to Wang, targeted efforts will include improving the Zhengzhou-Luxembourg Air Silk Road dual-hub model and upgrading the Zhengzhou-Europe Railway Express assembly center.

The province will also create a pivot for promoting foreign trade by upgrading the pilot free trade zone, expanding the functions of the comprehensive bonded zone, strengthening goods, service and digital trade, as well as enabling more goods and high-quality products from Henan to enter global markets, he said.

Zhang Min, executive vice-governor of Henan, said the province has achieved significant opening-up results in recent years, noting that Zhengzhou airport has achieved a 1-million-metric-ton air cargo throughput, ranking fifth nationwide in international air cargo.

Zhang emphasized that Henan will seize new opportunities in the second golden decade of the Belt and Road Initiative and advance efforts in several areas.

While strengthening the role of the Air Silk Road and building a dense intercontinental air route network, Henan plans to optimize land transportation channels, promote the expansion of China-Europe and Central Asia freight trains, develop multimodal transport, and achieve coordinated development of air, land, data and sea routes.

Zhang added that the province will further develop international markets, rely on industrial upgrading and technological innovation, enhance product competitiveness, and promote global sales of its brand products, including high-end equipment and characteristic light industry goods.

The province will also deepen two-way cooperation, optimize the business environment based on platforms such as the pilot free trade zone and Zhengzhou Airport Zone, actively attract foreign investment, and support local enterprises in expanding overseas markets to achieve win-win cooperation, according to Zhang.

"Henan aims to enhance the quality, innovation and green value of local products," she said.

While accelerating opening-up, Henan will further integrate its culture and tourism industries. "As an important birthplace of Chinese civilization, the province will strengthen the protection and innovative use of cultural heritage," Zhang added.

The province also seeks to advance the creative transformation and innovative development of its traditional culture, allowing cultural heritage to thrive in the new era.