The New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor has made significant strides over the past five years, expanding its network to encompass 523 ports across 124 countries and regions. Launched in 2017, this ambitious corridor serves as a vital trade and logistics passage, established by provincial-level regions in western China alongside ASEAN members.
With its operational hub strategically located in Chongqing Municipality, the corridor seamlessly links global ports through a combination of railways, sea routes, and highways, traversing southern Chinese provinces such as Guangxi and Yunnan. This integrated approach has facilitated over 30,000 China-Europe freight train operations, as reported by the coordination center for logistics and operation of the corridor.
From 2019 to 2023, the annual freight volume passing through the Chongqing hub witnessed impressive growth, increasing by 50%, 45%, 54%, 32%, and 21% year on year respectively. This surge not only highlights the corridor's efficiency but also its pivotal role in boosting international trade.
The diversity of goods transported has also seen a remarkable expansion. Initially handling over 80 types of products, the corridor now manages more than 1,150 categories, including electronics, vehicles and components, machinery, small household appliances, and food items. This broad spectrum has nearly balanced inbound and outbound shipments, underscoring the corridor's significance in global trade dynamics.
Leveraging the corridor's swift and reliable infrastructure, specialty products from western China are gaining traction in international markets. Products like goji berry juice and red wine from Ningxia, oranges from Chongqing, and tea from Guizhou have emerged as new growth drivers for local foreign trade. Additionally, the export of new energy vehicles from these regions has accelerated, with local auto enterprises establishing manufacturing facilities in Southeast Asian countries.
On the flip side, Southeast Asian specialties such as Thai durians and Vietnamese basa fish are now entering the Chinese market more rapidly, thanks to the corridor's efficient logistics.
The coordination center for logistics and operation of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor emphasizes that the corridor not only fosters the opening up and development of western China but also creates new opportunities for countries and regions participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.
Reference(s):
New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor connects 523 ports worldwide
cgtn.com
