Nantong municipal government and Shanghai International Port (Group) ink a strategic cooperation agreement on Nov 22. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The Nantong municipal government and Shanghai International Port (Group) signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Nantong, Jiangsu province, on Nov 22.

According to the agreement, both parties will work to strengthen the leading position of Shanghai Port, build the Shanghai International Shipping Center, and create a world-class port cluster with international competitiveness.

Nantong's first container ocean liner route (Lyusi – North Africa Red Sea route) and the first coastal domestic trade liner route (Lyusi – Huanghua route) were launched on the same day, and the Shanghai Port Empty Container Transfer Nantong Sub-center was also established.

Zhang Tong, mayor of Nantong, hailed the successful signing of the strategic cooperation agreement and thanked SIPG for its long-term support. She stated that the agreement will undoubtedly inject new momentum into the city's efforts to create a robust river and sea economic structure and achieve higher quality development.

She looks forward to deepening cooperation with SIPG in areas such as the formation of an integrated transportation system combining rail, road, water, river, and sea, the development of near and far ocean routes, and integrated container operations.

Gu Jinshan, president of SIPG, thanked Nantong for its long-term trust and assistance. He said that this strategic agreement will help SIPG to better connect with the Yangtze River Economic Belt and extend its reach nationwide.

He added that SIPG will work with the Nantong municipal government to enhance port capabilities, improve the port's collection and distribution system and logistics services, and promote the sharing of shipping information through higher-level cooperation.