Chongqing – The Forum on Economic Development Along New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) was convened in Chongqing on November 13, bringing together domestic and international representatives to explore the corridor's development prospects and future cooperation opportunities with Chongqing.
During the opening ceremony, the developments outlined in the ILSTC 2024-2025 report were released, alongside the comprehensive service system for the ILSTC and the first China-Laos-Thailand railway timetable.
The Forum on Economic Development Along the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor was convened in Chongqing on November 13. (Photo/Chen Zhan)
The forum, first held in Chongqing in 2023, has evolved into an annual event co-hosted with the inter-provincial coordination meeting. This year's discussions focused on the ILSTC's high-quality development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. Participants exchanged views on deepening industrial and supply chain cooperation, advancing the construction of a comprehensive service system for the corridor, and jointly developing digital and hydrogen-powered corridors.
The meeting also examined issues related to infrastructure links, major project collaboration, and further opening-up strategies. Delegates reached a consensus on promoting a more diversified and coordinated development pattern characterized by broader regional engagement and shared growth.
In addition to the main forum, a series of concurrent events were held, including the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor Maritime Merchants Forum, which aimed to strengthen business partnerships across the shipping and logistics industries.
During the opening ceremony, officials released the developments outlined in the ILSTC 2024–2025 report. (Photo/Chen Zhan)
For many participants, the forum served as a gateway to explore new trade opportunities. "It's my first time attending, thanks to an invitation from our contacts in Chongqing," said Ares Salim, assistant head of the commercial division at Malaysia's Penang Port. "Ports act as economic catalysts. We're working to move containers by rail from Chongqing through Laos and Malaysia, linking up with our sister ports to extend trade routes toward Indonesia and beyond."
Chongqing's inland location has not hindered its ambition to serve as the operation and organization center of the ILSTC. According to Jiang Xiaobing, secretary general of Chongqing International Logistics and Port Service Association, the city has built a diversified logistics network featuring rail-sea intermodal routes, cross-border highways, and integrated multimodal connections. "Chongqing's strength lies in its ability to connect inland industries with global markets," Jiang said.
Statistics show that as of September 2025, annual rail-sea intermodal freight volumes on the ILSTC surpassed one million TEUs for the first time—an increase of 110-fold since the ILSTC's launch in 2017. The transportation network now links 581 ports across 127 countries and regions, reinforcing the strategic role of western China as a vital gateway in global trade.
(Wei Zelin, as an intern, also contributed to the report.)