By 2020, Shenzhen aims to become a free trade port by consolidating its ports, streamlining its transportation system and developing intelligent, modern shipping services.
Currently, Shenzhen is the world’s third largest container port, according to Shenzhen Daily. Last year, its container throughput increased by over 5 percent to 25.2 million 20-foot equivalent units. Needless to say, Shenzhen’s port has been a significant factor in its economic growth.
If Beijing greenlights Shenzhen’s bid to have a free trade port, then the city will focus on simplifying cargo supervision measures and customs clearance procedures at the port.
READ MORE: Drones of the Sea? Unmanned Ship Test Center Planned for Zhuhai
One way it plans to improve customs procedures is by cooperating with the nearby ports of Zhongshan and Dongguan and creating a one-stop program for customs declaration, inspection and clearance. Ideally, this program will spread to the surrounding ports in the Greater Bay Area and also improve their efficiency.
At its own port, Shenzhen plans to create an intelligent system that streamlines the customs clearance process with the goal of reducing cargo-flow time by a third. It will also support active sharing between checkpoints and start a joint inspection program for fresh, aquatic e-commerce products to ensure their timely deliveries.
In order to stimulate more business, the city will eliminate exit-entry quarantine and inspection fees and reduce the frequency of inspections on imported and exported products. Also, the city will actively support projects connected to port development, port logistics and cargo forwarding businesses.
Altogether, these new policies should enable Shenzhen to become a free trade port by 2020.
READ MORE: E-Commerce Giant Jingdong Debuts Delivery Robots in Beijing
[Cover image via Gigel.atat/Wikimedia]
0 User Comments