The total volume of imports and exports passing through the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor via the China (Guangxi) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) exceeded 290 billion yuan ($40 billion) in the first half of this year, up about 50 percent year-on-year.

The Qinzhou Port area of the Guangxi FTZ. [Photo/WeChat account: zmqqzgpq]

The trade corridor has become an important engine for driving development and opening up in the western region. From 2019 to 2022, the comprehensive throughput capacity of Beibu Gulf Port increased from 260 million metric tons to 315 million tons, with 75 container shipping routes reaching over 200 ports in more than 100 countries and regions. Its role as an international gateway continues to strengthen.

A section of railway on the trade corridor inside the Guangxi FTZ. [Photo/WeChat account: zmqqzgpq]

From 2019 to 2022, the container throughput of Beibu Gulf Port increased from 3.82 million to 7.02 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEU), ranking among the top coastal ports in China in terms of its growth rate.

The number of intermodal trains operating between sea and rail transportation increased from 2,243 to 8,820, covering 17 provinces, 63 cities, and 121 stations in China. Meanwhile, the number of cross-border trains between China and Vietnam increased from 1,026 to 2,182, and the international air cargo throughput of Nanning Airport jumped from 2,300 tons to 73,000 tons.

In the first half of this year, the container throughput of Beibu Gulf Port increased by 14 percent, the number of intermodal trains rose 9 percent, and the international air cargo throughput of Nanning Airport was up 4.5 percent.