Chongqing - A milestone was achieved lately as the first Chongqing-Guangzhou freight train carrying a full load of spruce timber from Europe successfully arrived at Chongqing Liangjiang New Area in Southwest China. This marked implementation of a strategic cooperation agreement among Wilhelmshaven Port in Germany, Chongqing Guoyuan Port, and Guangzhou Port.
The train’s journey effectively promotes the coordinated development of these three ports and expands the reach of the Chongqing-Guangzhou rail link.
The first Chongqing-Guangzhou freight train from Europe arrived at Chongqing Guoyuan Port. (Photo/Guoyuan Port Hub Company)
The batch of timber originated from Wilhelmshaven Port, Germany, and was transported by sea to Guangzhou Nansha Port. From there, it was seamlessly transferred to the Chongqing-Guangzhou freight train and arrived at Guoyuan Port, a national logistics hub in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area.
According to Niu Xiandan, the General Manager of Chongqing Guoyuan Port International Logistics Hub Development Co., Ltd., based on the three ports’ robust coverage, this train service would enhance the sea-rail intermodal transportation route at Guoyuan Port, enriching the hub’s integrated logistics services.
This April, Wilhelmshaven Port, Chongqing Guoyuan Port, and Guangzhou Port signed a strategic cooperation memorandum of understanding (MoU) of Wilhelmshaven Container Terminal & Logistics Park, Guangzhou Port Group, and Guoyuan Port National Logistics Hub. The fast channel for China-Europe freight train sea-rail transportation among the ports of Wilhelmshaven, Guangzhou, and Guoyuan is a key aspect of this MoU.
Niu mentioned that after the first train service, the three parties involved would strengthen connectivity, resource sharing, and personnel exchange to enhance the coordinated capabilities of the logistics network.
The linkage between Guoyuan Port and Guangzhou Port has already commenced. In 2022, the Chongqing-Guangzhou sea-rail transportation freight train from Chongqing Guoyuan Port to Guangzhou Nansha Port started operating in both directions.
Currently, two trains run steadily each week, with a transit time as short as three days, effectively connecting the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Economic Circle.
Meeting the public health capacity-building requirements from WHO
Recently, Chongqing Customs District announced that Guoyuan Port successfully passed the General Administration of Customs assessment regarding the port’s core public health capabilities.
This accomplishment establishes a solid foundation for ensuring public health and safety at the port while also improving the facilitation of cross-border trade. It is crucial to meet the core public health capacity-building requirements outlined in the International Health Regulations (2005) of the World Health Organization, and this achievement reflects the port’s commitment to port health security.
This successful assessment reinforces Guoyuan Port’s position as a key player in cross-border trade and demonstrates its adherence to international standards for port health security. It is a testament to the port’s efforts to establish robust public health measures and effectively respond to public health emergencies.
These developments highlight Liangjiang New Area’s endeavors to expand overseas transportation channels and foster international economic and trade cooperation.
The Liangjiang New Area will continue integrating transportation, logistics, commerce, and industries, actively participating in the international logistics hub network. By providing diversified, cost-effective, and efficient logistics channels, it aims to support the industrial development of Chongqing and the western region.