CHINA's central government has approved Ningbo port's expansion plans with the opening of a new port area called Meishan and a new berth in Beilun port area to foreign vessels, Xinhua reports.

The Meishan port covers 27 kilometres of quay lines has five container berths and two multifunctional berths. It was put into trial operation in August 2010 with temporary restrictions in place. The Meishan Free Trade Zone located in the port area will further boost development in foreign trade and port logistics after the expansion.