Singapore - "From tropical fruits to electric vehicles, the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) has enabled an efficient, green two-way flow between Western China and Southeast Asia," said Teo Siong Seng, Executive Chairman of Singapore-based Pacific International Lines (PIL), in an exclusive interview during the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Connectivity Initiative - New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (CCI-ILSTC) Trade and Financial Conference held in Singapore on June 11.

PIL is a top 12 global container shipping line, serving customers in over 500 locations across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Oceania, and the Pacific Islands.

As one of the first shipping companies to participate in the ILSTC, PIL has witnessed the transformation of Chongqing from an inland logistics hub into a thriving gateway to the sea. "Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when global logistics slowed, this corridor remained open and cargo volumes even increased," Teo noted.

According to the Port and Logistics Office of Chongqing Municipal People's Government, by May 8, over 500,000 TEUs had been transported via the ILSTC's rail-sea intermodal service, marking a year-on-year increase of 71.6%. Meanwhile, Qinzhou Port, a key ILSTC hub, recorded fruit imports of 25,000 tons in 2024, representing a 22% increase from the previous year.

The ILSTC's strategic importance continues to grow under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The corridor links China's western inland cities to ASEAN, South Asia, and Oceania, drastically shortening delivery times.

 "For example, durians and mangoes from Thailand and Cambodia now take just six days to reach Chongqing via Qinzhou- cutting transit time by two-thirds compared to traditional routes," said Teo. Conversely, electric vehicles made in Chongqing can reach Singapore or be transshipped to Indonesia in under a week.

Trade volumes are surging. According to Chongqing Customs District, ASEAN remains Chongqing's largest trading partner, with total trade reaching 51.32 billion yuan (about $7.13 billion) in the first five months of 2025, reflecting a 15.4% increase over the same period last year.

More than just speed, sustainability is also in focus. "We recently transported cargo using biofuel-powered vessels from Chongqing to Singapore- significantly lowering carbon emissions," Teo emphasized. This aligns with China and ASEAN's shared efforts to promote low-carbon supply chains.

In today's shifting geopolitical landscape, characterized by tariff tensions and calls for supply chain resilience, the ILSTC offers regional businesses diversified and localized trade options. Teo noted that companies from Chongqing are already establishing operations in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia to re-export semi-finished products globally.

"Tariff wars have no winners," he said. "What matters is creating a robust, flexible logistics system. The ILSTC does exactly that- connecting Singapore to Western China, Central Asia, and beyond."