Chan Chun Sing, the Minister for Trade and Industry of Singapore, made an opening address. (Photo by Yiling Wang)

By Keqiao Cheng, iChongqing News

The Dialogue on Joint Building of the New Land-Sea Trade Corridor took place this Tuesday, Jan. 8 in Chongqing. As a global event, in addition to Chinese ministry and enterprise representatives, guests from ASEAN countries also attended the meeting.

Strategic corridor with multiple economic effects

The New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (hereinafter referred to as The Corridor) is an international trade and logistics passage jointly built by western Chinese provinces, including Chongqing, and ASEAN countries under the framework of the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity(CCI).

Also, with Chongqing and Singapore as the two terminals and ports in Guangxi's Beibu Gulf as a conjunction point, The Corridor links China-Europe freight trains launched from many western Chinese cities before heading for Central Asia, South Asia, and Europe.

In addition, taking advantage of various transport modes including railways, highways, and water and air routes, The Corridor enables transport from western China to other places in the world.

Except for China and Singapore, other ASEAN countries are also participating in the project. For instance, Piriya Khempon, the Ambassador of Thailand to China, made an interpretation on how International Land-Sea Trade Corridor will improve the relationship between Thailand and China in the interview with iChongqing.

Further boost in China-Singapore cooperation

The unveiling event of Sino-Singapore (Chongqing) Airport Commercial Management Co., Ltd. (Photo by Yiling Wang)

After the Dialogue, the signing ceremony of a new group of key projects of CCI took place at the venue. Meanwhile, the Sino-Singapore (Chongqing) Airport Commercial Management Co., Ltd. was unveiled. Its goal is to help Chongqing Airport turn itself into a more passenger-oriented transport hub by using the experience of Changi Airport. 

In terms of "passenger-oriented", James Thong, Managing Director of Consultancy at Changi Airports International Pte Ltd, talked about the cooperation with Chongqing Airport and explained why even food, beverage, or retails are important for passengers during their stay in the airport.

On one hand, by holding this event, Chongqing successfully expanded the cooperation on The Corridor; on the other hand, the cooperation among different provinces and regions will boost the further construction of The Corridor. Also, it is expected to boost the development of the western provinces of China while propelling the prosperity of the mutual parts of China and ASEAN.

Related links：