A view of the impressive skyscrapers in Shinan district [Photo/WeChat account: qdweishinan]

International shipping groups based in the Shinan district of Qingdao city – in East China's Shandong province – are facing unprecedented opportunities and challenges, according to local media reports on April 25.

That's in the wake of the extensive development of international trade, the new global economic integration and the formation of a new pattern for port development in the world, the reports added.

From January to February 2021, the operating revenue for transportation, warehousing and postal services – mainly shipping logistics enterprises in Shinan district – reached 9.4 billion yuan, surging 114.1 percent year-on-year and ranking it first in Qingdao, according to the local media.

This year, the district set out its goals of becoming a core area for the modern international metropolis of Qingdao and accelerating the building of a pilot zone for transformation and development. It also set out its goal of building a "2+4" industry ecosystem, with the headquarters economy and digital economy as the driver – and modern finance, trade and commerce, the shipping sector, culture and tourism as the key elements.

As the area with the best shipping trade in Qingdao, Shinan has attracted one-third of the 5A level logistics enterprises to settle there. It also has more than 70 percent of the shipping logistics enterprises and more than 90 percent of the shipping companies in Qingdao, creating an ideal industrial foundation that has obvious advantages.

Currently, there are more than 3,000 shipping and logistics enterprises based in Shinan. More than 20 companies above a designated size – those groups with annual revenue of 20 million yuan ($3.08 million) or more – have been added there for three consecutive years. It is now home to nearly 200 shipping enterprises above a designated size.

Moreover, nine companies have been selected in the list of the top 20 of Qingdao's first logistics enterprises with comprehensive strength, while three enterprises have been selected in the top 100 of China's freight forwarding logistics enterprises, accounting for 45 percent of those in Qingdao.

The number of 5A-level logistics enterprises and the total number of A-level logistics enterprises reportedly both rank number one in the city.

The Qingdao Shinan District International Shipping Trade Innovation Center [Photo/WeChat account: qdweishinan]