Liangjiang port launches 'Rail Express' export shipment

A train carrying nearly 560,000 yuan ($78,862.19) worth of roasted sunflower seeds recently departed from Guoyuan Port in Liangjiang New Area.

The shipment, headed to Vientiane, Laos via the China-Laos Railway, is the first international rail cargo to be exported from Guoyuan Port using the "Rail Express" service model.

"This batch of goods utilized the 'Rail Express' model, allowing us to complete all export customs procedures directly at Guoyuan Port without needing to process transfer customs. Once the cargo arrives at the Mohan Railway Station in Yunnan province, it is swiftly cleared and dispatched for export, significantly reducing overall logistics costs," said Wei Li, deputy director of New Land-Sea Corridor Operation Co.

Under this model, enhanced collaboration among customs, railway, and operating companies has been achieved, enabling data interconnectivity and eliminating the need for enterprises to handle transfer customs processes on their own.

The implementation of the "Rail Express" model is just one aspect of Guoyuan Port's efforts to facilitate customs clearance services. In recent years, Guoyuan Port has actively explored institutional innovations, developed port-related industries, optimized its business environment, and deepened high-level opening-up.

Initiatives such as direct loading upon port arrival, direct pickup at the quay, and the "release before inspection" model for mineral products have significantly enhanced customs clearance efficiency and trade facilitation at the port.

Additionally, Liangjiang has pioneered several innovative measures nationwide, including the sea-rail combined transport domestic railway freight deduction policy, to lay a solid foundation for Chongqing in developing into a comprehensive inland open hub.

Data indicates that, driven by the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, an important part of the Belt and Road Initiative, economic and trade exchanges between Liangjiang and countries involved in the BRI have become increasingly close in recent years. In the first half of this year, trade between Liangjiang and ASEAN markets increased by 25 percent year-on-year.