Zhuhai and Guangzhou intend to build a world-class hub port cluster to impel integrated development of the port industry and regional economy for mutual benefit of the two cities.

A partnership agreement was signed between Guangzhou Port Authority and the Zhuhai Transportation Bureau on July 12, stipulating the purpose, content, and mechanism of cooperation.

They will enhance cooperation in resource integration and service improvement. A regular negotiation mechanism will be established to coordinate any problems in the ports' development. Major port enterprises in the two cities will be guided toward strategic cooperation, integrated resources, and synergetic growth.

Signing ceremony [Photo courtesy gzport.gov.cn]

Zhuhai and Guangzhou ports intend to fuel development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area while increasing global competitiveness through integrated resources and an optimized regional port layout.

Zhuhai Port is an important hub in the Pearl River Delta cluster. Wanshan Archipelago has a precious deep-water coastline and bright development prospects. Positioned as one of 24 major hub ports in the country, it will play an important role in fulfilling the "Port-Industry-City Integration Strategy" and advancing Zhuhai's "Second Entrepreneurship".

Cargo throughput of Zhuhai Port increased by 15.3 percent to 136 million tons in 2017. Container throughput rose by 37.3 percent to 2.27 million TEUs, among the world's highest growth rates.

Guangzhou Port, for its part, is a key hub in the national comprehensive transportation network due to large throughput, long industrial chain, and rich operation experience. It handled 20.37 million TEUs in 2017, ranking fourth in China. Seventh in the world, it is the only port in South China to crack the global top 10 in terms of cargo throughput.

According to a Zhuhai Transportation Bureau executive, the two ports should follow different development paths within the scope of cooperation.