Chongqing - The New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) has transformed the logistics landscape in China, particularly in Chongqing, where it has become a vital lifeline for trade and commerce. This article tells the stories of six individuals who have witnessed the development and impact of this significant trade route.

This aerial photo taken on Dec. 29, 2023, shows the first freight train of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor that runs via the China-Laos-Thailand Railway departing from the Tuanjiecun Central Station in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. (Photo/Xinhua)

Reducing transit time for rail freight

Hu Hongpeng, one of the first locomotive drivers of the ILSTC in Chongqing, has witnessed significant reductions in transit times since the launch of the corridor. 

Before 2020, it took over ten hours to cover the 300-kilometer journey from Xinglongchang Station to Qianjiang. “Now, the 400-kilometer trip to Xiushan takes just five and a half hours,” Hu notes.

In 2023, Chongqing transported nearly 180,000 TEUs via the ILSTC, a 21% increase from the previous year. The improved efficiency has led to a surge in cargo volumes and values, with cargo volume growing 60-fold and cargo value 87-fold since the launch of ILSTC in Chongqing in 2017.

Meeting tight deadlines with Changan Auto

In March, Xu Xiaolong, a senior manager at Changan Automobile's Logistics Center, faced a critical task: delivering 600 cars to Thailand within a tight deadline. Utilizing the ILSTC, the cars reached Thailand in just ten days, significantly faster than the traditional route. 

This success allowed Changan to meet its deadline and prompted the company to ship 15,000 more vehicles through the corridor. Xu notes that logistics costs are now comparable to traditional routes, with further reductions expected as the corridor continues to develop.

Expanding global reach for made-in-Chongqing automobiles

Under He Daoguo’s leadership, Chongqing Meilian International Warehouse & Transport (Group) Co., Ltd. has expanded its vehicle exports to ASEAN countries using the ILSTC. The corridor has cut transportation time by half, from 20 days to just 10, allowing the company to increase its export volume significantly. 

In the first half of 2024, Meilian exported over 3,000 vehicles to ASEAN through the corridor, with plans to reach 8,000 by year-end. He sees the corridor as a game-changer for automotive exports.

Ensuring fresh lemons reach Thailand

Bai Zhe, a Chongqing Minsheng International Freight Co., Ltd. manager, recently successfully transported 28 tons of fresh lemons from Chongqing to Thailand using the ILSTC’s cold chain logistics. Despite initial delays, the shipment arrived in excellent condition, demonstrating the corridor’s efficiency. 

The corridor's all-railway route proved faster and more cost-effective than traditional road transport, making it the best option for transporting perishable goods like lemons.

Witnessing the growth of Jiangjin’s role in the corridor

Shi Yanjun, overseeing operations at Chongqing Jiangjin Comprehensive Bonded Zone, has watched the rapid growth of the ILSTC. With over 800 trains running in the first half of 2024, Jiangjin has become a major inland logistics hub. The corridor’s expansion has transformed Jiangjin into a key player in international trade, connecting Chongqing to global markets and enhancing the region’s economic growth. Shi takes pride in the zone’s role in this transformation driven by the ILSTC.

Documenting the corridor’s journey in literature

Author Li Yumei captured the human stories behind the ILSTC in her book. Through interviews with nearly 70 individuals, she highlights how the corridor has transformed western China’s economy and people’s lives. Li’s focus on the personal experiences of those involved offers a unique perspective on the corridor’s impact, making her work significantly contribute to understanding the corridor’s ongoing development.

These stories from Chongqing illustrate how the ILSTC is more than just a trade route. It is a dynamic network that connects people, enhances industries, and fuels economic growth, all while reducing logistics costs and time. As the corridor continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly shape the future of trade and development in Chongqing and western China.

(Qiu Xiaoya, Bai Lin, Yang Jun, She Zhenfang, and Xia Yuan, reporters from Chongqing Daily, contributed to this report's Chinese version.)