Chongqing- At the Hong Kong–Chongqing Logistics Industry Cooperation Seminar held in Chongqing on June 5, officials and industry leaders from both regions underscored a deepening partnership fueled by complementary strengths and a shared vision for more resilient, globally connected supply chains.

"Chongqing is an important manufacturing base in China, while Hong Kong has long been a global leader in air transport and shipping- the two places are a natural fit," said Mable Chan, Secretary of Transport and Logistics and Chair of the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council. "This partnership opens up a new path for inland exporters to reach the world."

Mable Chan, Secretary of Transport and Logistics and Chair of the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council. (Photo/Hong Kong Trade Development Council)

In 2024, trade between Chongqing and Hong Kong exceeded 57.5 billion yuan (approximately $8 billion), ranking first among China's 12 western provinces and municipalities. As of April 2025, the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) had shipped 19,000 TEUs of cargo via Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's port, Chan noted, operates nearly 300 international container services weekly, connecting to over 400 ports globally. Routes to South America are among the densest in Asia, making Hong Kong a key gateway for western China's exports to Latin America. Hong Kong's international airport, with an annual throughput of 4.9 million tons, remains the busiest cargo airport worldwide. With "smart port" tech and digitized customs, goods can complete full air transit procedures in 90 minutes.

Meanwhile, Chongqing is rapidly expanding its logistics network. In 2024, the city handled 230 million tons of port cargo and 1.33 million TEUs, up 2.9% year-on-year. The ILSTC now reaches 555 ports across 127 countries and regions, with annual cargo volumes up 41% and trade value up 67% to 46.7 billion yuan. The China-Europe Railway Express (Chengdu-Chongqing) added 5,854 trains in 2024, transporting 480,000 TEUs—an increase of 10%.

Logistics industry representatives from Hong Kong are sharing insights at the Hong Kong–Chongqing Logistics Industry Cooperation Seminar on June 5. (Photo/Hong Kong Trade Development Council)

Ivor Chow, Managing Director of Hongkong International Terminals Limited, highlighted the Chongqing-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Scheduled Freight Train, which was launched in August 2024. "Goods from Chongqing reach Hong Kong in three days. We've expanded from one to three weekly departures," he said. One e-commerce customer managed a same-day transshipment to Moscow, completing the entire journey in under six days —far faster than traditional Yangtze River barge routes.

Horace Lo, Group Managing Director of Modern Terminals, cited Hong Kong's 16.5-meter-deep berths and its rapid loading capacity of 30 containers per hour. The port processed 14 million TEUs last year, with cold chain logistics standing out: over 8,000 powered warehouse slots handle 40% of fresh fruit imports from Chile, Thailand, and beyond.

For Wei Weihao, director of the Ocean Freight Department (South China) of DB Schenker, the corridor is reshaping delivery expectations. A recent shipment from Chongqing to Moscow via Hong Kong took just five days. "High-value goods like precision parts and cold chain pharmaceuticals demand timeliness and stability. This route delivers both at a competitive cost."

Beyond infrastructure, guests emphasized that supply chain competition now hinges on digital and financial capabilities. Henry Ko, an official from the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council, pointed to the Port Community System launched last month in Hong Kong, which integrates logistics, trade, and financial services.

“We've realized pre-arrival financing based on logistics data," added Ivy Tse of FreightAmigo. "SMEs in Chongqing can access 70–80% of their payment upfront- before goods even arrive."

With more than 130 boarding facilities and five hubs in Dongguan, Hong Kong offers a 4–6-hour land-to-air shipping window. "Chongqing exporters gain instant access to global markets via Hong Kong's extensive air network," said You Yuqian from Cathay Pacific Association.