Chongqing - Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality has achieved notable rankings in several national metrics, from economic structuring to logistics efficiency, transportation infrastructure, and foreign trade, according to a recent report by Cushman & Wakefield. 

The report indicates the New International Land-sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) as a pivotal logistics pathway for goods movement based on its multimodal transportation. The existing status of transportation and logistical frameworks can offer insights into resource distribution, goods flow, regional economic influence, and openness across various regions. 

Chongqing and Sichuan lead the pack in the logistics economy 

According to the report, economically speaking, Sichuan leads the pack, boasting the most robust economic structure. Chongqing and Shannxi closely follow this lead, showcasing their burgeoning economic vigor.

Regarding logistics and transportation infrastructure, a handful of regions stood out, with Chongqing, Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Guangxi garnering commendable scores, indicating their rising prominence in this sector. Specifically, the eastern, middle, and western corridors of the ILSTC are closely connected to key node cities and logistics hubs such as Guiyang, Nanning, and Kunming in southwest China.

Connecting nodes to feeder cities can greatly improve the layout of the comprehensive transportation network in the southwest region, allowing goods or economic elements to flow from the Beibu Gulf of Guangxi to the sea, forming an important channel for the southward extension of the Eurasian Continental Bridge.

Foreign trade dynamics see Sichuan, Guangxi, and Chongqing emerging as frontrunners. Both Sichuan and Chongqing have historically been early adopters in the central and western regions. These areas have been proactive in introducing and establishing industries, particularly excelling in the mechanical, electrical, and automobile sectors.

Index rankings of the place along the ILSTC. (Graphics/Chen Zhan)

Sharing system among ILSTC, CR Express, and Yangtze River Golden Waterway

The report highlights Chongqing's unparalleled role in western China as the only hub integrating water, land, and air travel modalities. "Chongqing holds a pivotal position in the grand design of the country's transportation hub," said Mars Wei, general manager of Cushman & Wakefield Chongqing. 

Chongqing's four-way transportation network. (Graphics/Chen Zhan)

Currently, Chongqing flexes its broad-reaching transportation network. To the west, the China Railway Express has seen over 3,000 trains ply its tracks. The railway connecting Chongqing and Russia through Manzhouli has witnessed over 2,200 train journeys up north.

Heading south, the ILSTC opens doors to 393 ports across 119 countries and territories. On the eastern front, the Yangtze River unveils a multifaceted logistics pathway bolstered by 1,200 vessels via the express line connecting Shanghai and Chongqing on the Yangtze River Golden Waterway. 

Wei nodded to Chongqing's intricate logistics maze, showcasing a blend of transport techniques, varied routes, and far-reaching impact. Yet, some issues need ironing out, such as jammed transport lanes and unsmooth transitions between transport modes. 

Wei pointed out the importance of promoting the initial establishment of a container allocation and sharing system among ILSTC, China Railway Express, and Yangtze River Golden Waterway. This initiative aims to bolster logistics information infrastructures and ensure uninterrupted transport connections.