Guangzhou Port is one of China's major ports with a long history, serving as a hub for foreign trade since ancient times. After the reform and opening-up, Guangzhou Port developed rapidly, with a continuous increase in throughput. It has established connections with ports in over 170 countries and regions worldwide, becoming the largest container terminal in South China.
In China, logistics costs account for 16.6% of GDP, which is 5 percentage points higher than the global average. Low logistics efficiency and effectiveness contribute to rising costs. To reduce logistics costs, efforts should focus on four areas: building systems, sharing resources, innovating logistics models, and optimizing the market environment. These measures aim to enhance overall logistics service efficiency and promote supply-side reform.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) Spanish Scholarship Program has been launched to enhance the professional skills and management capabilities of customs officials from Spanish-speaking countries and promote customs reform and modernization. The program offers tailored curriculum, lectures by WCO experts, and field visit opportunities, helping participants broaden their international perspectives and accelerate their career development. This is an unmissable learning and development opportunity for customs professionals.
China Ocean Shipping and China Shipping are expected to complete their merger by January next year, creating the world's fourth-largest container shipping company. The reform plan has been approved by the State Council, involving over 20 billion USD in funding. Key issues include effective integration and ensuring employee stability. The merger will significantly enhance the market competitiveness of both companies and may alter the dynamics of the international shipping market.
The National Development and Reform Commission released the "Innovation-Driven Industrial Transformation and Upgrading Plan for the Yangtze River Economic Belt," signaling trillion-level investment opportunities. Logistics companies should seize this opportunity to participate in infrastructure construction, develop river-sea intermodal transport, promote smart logistics, and provide professional services around key industries. This will enable them to achieve transformation and upgrading, and share the development dividends of the Yangtze River Economic Belt.
The trade landscape in the Middle East is rapidly changing, with countries reforming customs processes to promote the development of the non-oil economy. Saudi Arabia's total trade reached $286 billion in 2023, highlighting its regional dominance. As nations like Jordan, Iraq, and Kuwait actively expand international trade and seek economic diversification, customs reform is playing a crucial role. Partnering with efficient logistics providers will be key for businesses to navigate the complexities of customs.
The rail freight sector is enhancing transport speed and efficiency through technological innovation and market collaboration. The development of freight trains has strengthened the competitiveness of railways, meeting growing customer demands for timeliness and safety. Developing high-speed freight railways is a crucial direction for railway reform, promoting continual progress in the logistics industry. In the future, railway transport will be lower in cost, faster, and more reliable, becoming a key choice for cargo transportation.
Data from Qingdao Customs shows a significant improvement in customs clearance efficiency for foreign trade enterprises dealing with South Korea, with sea freight times reduced by 34.78% and air freight times increased by 71.43%. This progress is driven by policy benefits and technological innovation, particularly the AEO mutual recognition policy and the consolidated tax reform. Additionally, modern technologies such as the Internet of Things have greatly enhanced customs efficiency, significantly lowering business costs.
China's railway freight reform is accelerating, centered on the 'Direct-to-Direct' strategy aimed at direct connections with large and medium-sized enterprises to enhance logistics efficiency. The planned construction of 208 logistics bases will strengthen container transportation capabilities, injecting new vitality into the freight market. In the future, the railway system will continue to focus on market analysis, transportation organization, and institutional improvements to drive a comprehensive transformation and upgrade of railway freight.
With the support of SECO-WCO GTFP, Colombian Customs hosted a trade facilitation forum. The forum focused on the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, shared experiences from Abu Dhabi's customs reform, and explored the impact of disruptive technologies on the future of customs. The goal was to support DIAN's customs transformation, creating an efficient, transparent, and modern customs system. Ultimately, this initiative aims to promote trade development in Colombia by streamlining processes and embracing innovation within the customs framework.
