Chongqing - "The Chongqing Highway Logistics Base, catering to the entire Chinese market, offers an innovative solution to the problem of returning empty shipping containers on the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC)," said David Lau Chi Wai, Vice President & Chairman of Food Ingredient and Ready-to-Eat Processors Group, Thai Food Processors Association (TFFA), at the 2023 China (Chongqing)-ASEAN Logistics Industry Cooperation Conference on December 18.

The conference saw the China-ASEAN Logistics Industry Matchmaking Base unveiled in Chongqing's Banan District, with 40 attended leaders from ASEAN nations like Cambodia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Representatives from government, business associations, and trade enterprises gathered, fostering deeper collaboration for mutual industrial growth. 

Suwit Ratanachinda, Honorary Chairman of the Thai International Freight Forwarders Association, introduces Thailand's logistics industry situation and cooperation prospects. (Photo/ Tang Feng)

"Thailand's fruits now reach Chongqing via the ILSTC, and we're looking to turn Chongqing into a major logistics hub," said Lau. "At the Chongqing Road Logistics Base, we've noticed big logistics players like SF and ZTO Express setting up shop in the area."

Lau added, "We aim to leverage this concentration to minimize the return of empty trains carrying Thai products, which would help reduce transportation costs."

The unveiling ceremony of the China - ASEAN Logistics Industry Matchmaking Base. (Photo/ Tang Feng)

Xu Ningning, Chairman of the RCEP Industry Cooperation Committee, stated that ASEAN is a crucial trade partner for Chongqing. The city's trade with ASEAN grew by 13.5% in the first 11 months of 2023.

Established in Beijing in April 2021, the RCEP Industry Cooperation Committee fosters dialogue and cooperation among its 15 member countries, including ASEAN nations, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. It focuses on promoting regional trade, investment, and industrial collaboration.

Xu Ningning, Chairman of the RCEP Industry Cooperation Committee, addressed the 2023 China (Chongqing)-ASEAN Logistics Industry Cooperation Conference. (Photo/ Tang Feng)

The event also marked the release of the report of the High-Quality Development Strategy and Evaluation System of the ILSTC Container Train, projecting the corridor is expected to handle over 10,000 trains, boasting a capacity of 500,000 TEUs, complemented by 2,000 cross-border railway trains enhancing regional connectivity by 2025.

The conference also saw the signing of strategic agreements with logistics associations from Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia to enhance economic ties and support high-quality economic development.

With over 30 years in China-ASEAN business cooperation, Xu has witnessed the ILSTC's evolution. Xu added that this corridor, crucial for international trade, is a significant product of the Belt and Road initiative, offering new business opportunities through logistics and industrial docking.

The Chongqing Highway Logistics Base, designated as the China (Chongqing) - ASEAN logistics industry matching base, is a critical component of the ILSTC master plan. It is a national demonstration logistics park and a central hub for various logistics and e-commerce activities.

The Base has partnered with over 30 ASEAN enterprises in various logistics services and established 35 overseas warehouses in 11 countries. It hosts major companies like JD.com and Xinfadi Market, contributing to a market turnover exceeding 520 billion yuan (about USD 72.5 billion).