Guangzhou recently set a goal that,by 2023, Guangzhou Port will altogether handle up to 25.5 million TEUs, and a total of 660 million tons in terms of cargo.Meanwhile, car throughput is expected to reach 1.7 million. The goal has raised prospect of a world-class shipping hub with higher efficiency and capacity.
Nansha Port. (Photo / Nanfang Daily）
The newly released "Guangzhou Three-year Plan of Constructing International Shipping Hub" (hereinafter referred to as "the plan") has elaborated not only the goal, but also the means to that end - 25 tasks and 5 measures covering 8 aspects including infrastructure upgrade, green shipping, inter-port cooperation, etc.
The plan proposes well-defined functions for each port area, and facilitation of further construction such as Nansha Port Phase 4, Nansha Port railway and Nansha logistics center. Tapping into its geographical advantages, Guangzhou Port is aspiring to a more convenient and efficient hub that will wield influence over other international ports and the surrounding hinterland.
Since great services go with a great hub, Guangzhou Port is also planning to pick up pace in development of port services industry by attracting more competitive market players in several industries including logistics, international cruises, on-water recreation, shipping finance and insurance, etc.
And the business environment and service efficiency are the key factors at play in attracting businesses. Guangzhou, as one of the core cities in China, has the friendliest trade policies such as free trade areas, and by making the most of them, it certainly holds the attractions. Yet the plan suggests that more should be done.
According to the plan, Guangzhou Port is going to further streamline logistics and public services by applying a new clearance system featuring "one-time check" as well as 24-hour automated lanes. And with the paper-free, smart, one-stop trade service platform on its way, it is expected to take international trade as well as cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao to the next level.
Looking forward, Guangzhou Port has put some business focus into the picture including container logistics, car shipping, cold chains, and cross-border e-commerce. In addition, Guangzhou is stepping up regional cooperation within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) to jointly build a world-class port cluster.
Background:
In fact, Guangzhou has already carried out two other "three-year plans" since 2015, and results were impressive, especially for the second plan (2018 – 2020). During the three years, the throughput of Guangzhou Port jumped from 590 million to 636 million tons, the 4th highest in the world.
And measured in terms of containers, it reached 23.51 million TEUs in 2020, ranking 5th globally. According to Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development (ISCD) Index, Guangzhou climbed significantly in rank from 23 (2017) to 13 (2021).
Author: Ray (intern)
Editor: Will, Jerry
