Statistics show that Zhanjiang’s import and export volume to countries and regions along the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) totaled 132.49 billion RMB over the past 10 years, of which 73.27 billion RMB were exported and 59.22 billion RMB were imported.
Zhanjiang has been listed as a pivotal city for BRI maritime cooperation, and is exploring new opportunities and cross-provincial linkage.
Goods in Zhanjiang Comprehensive Bonded Zone. (Photo: GDToday)
In Zhanjiang Comprehensive Bonded Zone, skin care products, toys, daily necessities and more are displayed on the shelf at attractive prices. Approved by the State Council on December 17, 2020, it has recently started operation. Aside from bulk commodities, the zone also expands its business in cross-border e-commerce.
Zhanjiang Port is South China's only deep-water port that can accommodate and unload ships up to 400,000 tons. At the work zone of Zhanjiang Port International Container Terminal Co., Ltd, a liner carrying iron ore from Vale of Brazil is docking.
At Zhanjiang Port. (Photo: GDToday)
“We have developed coal and iron ore business with countries including Indonesia, Brazil, Australia and so on, which secures the bulk raw materials in China, and now the processing business has been developed,” said Jiang Chang, Assistant President, Zhanjiang Port (Group) Co., Ltd.
“In fact, when we are participating in the BRI, we gradually formed business models such as mine direct sales, supplying the demand of steelmakers, as well as trade and logistics,” said Jiang.
He added, “The major container service is still focused on the cold chain fruits, China's traditional agricultural products, and seafood, to provide mutual services and industrial connections.”
In the first two months of 2023, Zhanjiang’s imports and exports to the BRI countries hit 2.08 billion RMB.
Xuwen Port. (Photo: GDToday)
Xuwen Port was the earliest historical port of departure from the Maritime Silk Road in China. It is now the world’s largest passenger-cargo ro-ro terminal, with more than 12 million passengers entering and leaving Hainan island via the Qiongzhou Strait per year, as well as 90 percent of Hainan's daily production materials.
Since its opening in September 2020, Xuwen Port has seen a peak of 196 round trips in a single day in the Spring Festival 2023.
Photo taken on June 16 in Zhanjiang shows the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor Innovation and Development Demonstration Zone. (Photo: GDToday)
The New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor is jointly built by 12 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in West China, Hainan Province, Zhanjiang, and Hunan’s Huaihua, with Chongqing as the operation and organization center.
According to China's National Development and Reform Commission, as of May 2023, a total of 2.02 million TEUs have been sent by rail-sea transport via the corridor, connecting 18 provincial-level regions in China and more than 300 ports in over 100 countries and regions.
In terms of mechanical and electrical products, steel, paper products, the export value of Zhanjiang to BRI countries (regions) in 2022 increased by 29.9 percent, 69.1 times and 10.5 times respectively compared with 2013. Meanwhile, imports of crude oil, aquatic products and coal in 2022 increased by 299.1 percent, 33.4 times and 32.5 times respectively compared with 2013.
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Reporter | Hannah
Editor | Olivia, Steven, Jasmine, Jerry