Transportation sector continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Experts briefed the public on progress today and discussed plans for further upgrades looking ahead. CGTN reporter Tao Yuan spent the afternoon at the State Council Information Office.

By road, by rail, and beyond, China's transportation sector has seen steady growth this year.

That's according to a press briefing at the nation's Ministry of Transport.

WU CHUNGENG, PRESS SPOKESMAN CHINESE MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT "The structure for passenger transport continues to improve. Freight volume has maintained rapid growth. City public transportation structures are also undergoing steady advancement."

Today, China has the longest high-speed railway network and some of the world's busiest ports.

But its rapid growth and urbanization call for an even more advanced transport system.

TAO YUAN BEIJING "China held its second Belt and Road forum this May. At the press briefing today, officials emphasized the importance of international cooperation on transportation and infrastructure."

WU CHUNGENG, PRESS SPOKESMAN CHINESE MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT "Existing projects and those in planning under the 'Belt and Road' framework will reduce freight transport time between participating countries by 1.7 to 3.2 percent. Global average shipping time will drop by 1.2 to 2.5 percentage points. This will give a great boost to the economic growth of participating regions, or even the whole global economy."

Meantime, Tuesday marks International Seafarers Day.

This year's theme is gender equality in seafaring.

CAO DESHENG, DIRECTOR MARITIME AFFAIRS BUREAU, CHINESE MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT "Due to the tough nature of the work, seafaring, has for a long time, been seen as an unfit career for women. But the strides in modern marine technology and automation systems have greatly reduced the workload and provided a more comfortable working environment."

He says that will help bring more women on board.

TY, CGTN, Beijing.