In order for Chongqing to play a leading role in promoting the co-construction of the Belt and Road (B&R), Wang Jiguang, Member of the Standing Committee and Deputy Secretary-General of Chongqing Municipal Committee of CPPCC, and Director of the Culture, Cultural History and Learning Committee (CCHLC), made the following suggestions on January 13, 2020, during Chongqing Two Sessions.

Wang Jiguang, Member of the Standing Committee and Deputy Secretary-General of Chongqing Municipal Committee of CPPCC, and Director of the Culture, Cultural History and Learning Committee, makes the following suggestions on January 13, 2020. (Photo by Mikkel Larsen)

First, Chongqing should actively advance the normalized operation of China-Europe freight trains, rail-sea multimodal trains under the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity, New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC), and international passenger and freight air routes. It is also necessary to proactively contact relevant domestic provinces and municipalities along the new western land-sea corridor to reach cooperation agreements on the construction of the corridor.

Second, Chongqing should tackle the interconnection problem of the linear channel construction in the B&R channel network system in cooperation. It is required to focus on addressing the problem of the relatively weak infrastructure of each linear logistics channel, explore ways to improve the efficient connection between major international trade channels, and further strengthen the communication and coordination of the integrated customs clearance mechanism.

Third, Chongqing should actively spur and partake in the construction of international channels, and encourage other countries to participate in the construction of international trade channel networks. In addition, efforts should be made to strengthen international customs cooperation, tackle the obstacles regarding transportation and logistics facilities between China and countries along various linear channels, and forge more open platforms for innovation and cooperation.

Fourth, Chongqing should establish a unified coordination system for channel construction and a domestic cross-regional and inter-provincial cooperation mechanism. To continuously increase the influence and scope of the channel network system, Chongqing should improve the information-based management level of channel operation, further the integration and facilitation of customs clearance, improve the efficiency of port and railway operation, and step up efforts in the promotion.

Fifth, Chongqing should attach great importance to the construction of key infrastructure projects of the channel network system, and value the role of central government policy in launching projects. In line with the actual situation of the transportation hub, geographical location, opening conditions and port foundation, Chongqing should serve as the hub of railway, aviation, highway, and inland waterway, connect with major national plans and emphasize on infrastructure construction.

Sixth, efforts should be made to improve inter-provincial customs clearance cooperation, international customs clearance efficiency, and economic and trade cooperation in areas along the channel. Chongqing should accelerate the construction of the “single window” of international trade, focus on boosting international cooperation and mutual assistance in law enforcement with the regulatory authorities of the countries along the Belt and Road routes, and improve the level of facilitation and legalization of international trade clearance.