As the first rays of sunlight touched the Huajin Wharf at Quanzhou Port in Fujian Province, a cargo ship loaded with Chinese-made goods sounded its horn and set sail for Dili Port in Timor-Leste. This voyage marks more than just routine maritime traffic—it represents a new chapter in economic cooperation between Fujian Province and Timor-Leste, officially launching the first direct shipping route between the two regions.
Route Specifications
The new route, operated by a Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged cargo vessel, carried 1,357 tons of construction materials including steel rebar, trucks, and engineering vehicles—all urgently needed for infrastructure projects in Timor-Leste. According to Quanzhou Customs data, the direct route completes the journey in just seven days, saving approximately 15 days compared to previous transshipment methods, making it currently the fastest maritime link between China and Timor-Leste.
The opening of this route significantly reduces logistics costs while improving transportation efficiency, providing tangible benefits for businesses in both countries.
Timor-Leste: Emerging Market Potential
Timor-Leste, officially the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, is a young and dynamic nation located at the eastern end of the Southeast Asian archipelago. The country boasts abundant natural resources including petroleum, natural gas, and minerals, while its unique cultural heritage continues to attract increasing international attention.
With deepening bilateral relations between China and Timor-Leste in recent years, cooperation has expanded across trade, culture, and education. The new shipping route is expected to further boost bilateral trade, offering Chinese businesses more convenient access to Timor-Leste's developing market.
Quanzhou: Strategic Hub for Maritime Silk Road
As the starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, Quanzhou plays a pivotal role in China's Belt and Road Initiative. Trade between Quanzhou and BRI partner countries has grown significantly, with Xiamen Customs data showing Quanzhou's exports to these nations reached 124.36 billion yuan ($17.2 billion) in 2024, a 5% year-on-year increase accounting for 62.6% of the city's total foreign trade.
As of February 22, Quanzhou Port has established 36 shipping routes connecting to BRI countries and regions, building an increasingly comprehensive maritime transport network.
Customs and Border Support
To ensure smooth operation of the new route, Xiamen Customs and Quanzhou Customs established special task forces to guide companies through vessel registration procedures and conduct immediate boarding inspections, issuing digital ship sanitation certificates.
For oversized cargo with complex loading requirements, customs developed tailored export supervision plans, implementing "advanced declaration" and "direct loading upon arrival" measures to guarantee zero-delay clearance. Quanzhou Border Inspection Station optimized operational procedures through close coordination with port authorities and shipping agents.
Port and Business Perspectives
The manager of Huajin Wharf at Quanzhou Port stated the facility plans to expand operations with the new route, aiming for monthly round-trip service to establish stable operations. This development is expected to enhance Quanzhou Port's handling capacity and international profile as a key Maritime Silk Road hub.
Representatives from shipping companies emphasized Quanzhou Port's strategic location, excellent facilities, and efficient customs clearance as decisive factors in selecting it as the route's origin point. Industry experts anticipate more Chinese products will reach Timor-Leste and Southeast Asian markets through this channel, supporting local infrastructure projects and economic development.
The launch of this direct shipping route between Fujian and Timor-Leste represents more than just new maritime infrastructure—it embodies the practical implementation of China-Timor-Leste cooperation under the Belt and Road framework. The route promises to strengthen bilateral trade, stimulate regional economic growth, and contribute to building a closer community with a shared future between the two nations.