Chongqing – Chongqing recently hosted a meeting and roundtable on customs connectivity and clearance facilitation for the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC), bringing together over 30 delegates from China and nine countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Also in attendance were representatives from customs offices along the ILSTC in Chongqing, Zhanjiang, Nanning, Kunming, Xi'an, Urumqi, and the Chongqing Port and Logistics Office.
Speakers highlighted the growing weight of China-ASEAN trade ties. China has been ASEAN's largest trading partner for 16 straight years, while ASEAN has held the same position for China for the past five years. In the first eight months of 2025, bilateral trade hit 4.93 trillion yuan (about 675 billion U.S. dollars), a 9.7% year-on-year increase.
On September 25–26, Chongqing welcomed the Second Meeting on Customs Connectivity of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and the Roundtable on Promoting Customs Clearance Facilitation between China (Chongqing) and ASEAN. (Photo/Chongqing Customs District)
Against the backdrop of shifting global supply chains, institutionalized cooperation on customs connectivity within the ILSTC was emphasized as critical.
Delegates showcased regional best practices. For example, Chongqing Customs District presented its role as the Chinese secretariat for the global smart customs platform, now connecting 145 customs authorities worldwide.
Zhanjiang Customs District introduced its "parallel port" model to cut cross-border logistics costs. Nanning Customs District drives forward the China–Vietnam friendship smart port project. Kunming Customs District reported 15 new facilitation measures that helped drive a 46.7% jump in China–Laos Railway trade.
As a core ILSTC hub, Chongqing noted steady expansion of routes and markets, including new express services to Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. It also advanced cross-border industrial integration through the China–Laos–Thailand "three countries, three parks" initiative, with industries spanning advanced equipment, new materials, and logistics.
Discussions centered on upgrading China–ASEAN customs cooperation, facilitating cross-border rail and road transport, expanding the ASEAN Express, and developing a digitalized ILSTC. Delegates are committed to promoting smart customs, enhancing data sharing, and improving resilience in regional trade flows.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to deepen international cooperation, particularly to ensure the smooth operation of the China–Laos–Thailand railway. Delegates agreed to streamline customs procedures for greater efficiency and to upgrade ILSTC information systems to further strengthen economic ties.