South China's Guangdong Free Trade Zone (FTZ) has benefited from numerous customs clearance facilitation measures and achieved significant growth in cold chain logistics.
This year marks the ninth anniversary of the founding of the FTZ. Over the past nine years, the value of foreign trade in the Guangdong FTZ has grown from nearly 14 billion U.S. dollars in 2015 to 80 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, with an average annual growth rate of 24 percent.
Cold chain logistics have contributed a lot to the growth.
In 2022, the value of imported cold chain goods at the Nansha Port of the FTZ reached nearly 23 billion yuan (about 3.2 billion U.S. dollars), up 80 percent year on year.
By 2023, the Nansha Port had become the largest importer of cherries and durians in the Chinese mainland. Prompt handling is critical for these perishable agricultural commodities.
Hu Zhengjun, a business manager at the Guangzhou Nansha International Cold Chain Corporation, said convenient customs procedures and efficient logistics drive the growing import of cold chain products.
"For imported fresh fruits, we have rapid customs clearance channels, including pre-approval for certificates, advance declarations for imported container cargo at customs, and direct pickups at the dock. Then the products from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and so on are distributed to cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area within one hour, and other parts of the country within 24-hours," Hu said.
With the Nansha Port developing from a lesser-known port into a key hub in the Pearl River Delta, the growth of foreign trade reflects the rapid progress made by the FTZ
"To help businesses thrive and boost foreign trade, it's crucial to create a favorable business environment, drive institutional improvements, and align with high international standards. The development of cold chain logistics is a prime example of this approach. Port authorities and customs are working on ways to enhance inspection efficiency," said Xie Xiaohui, director of business bureau of Nansha District of Guangdong Free Trade Zone.
In the first half of this year, the import and export value of the FTZ reached 46 billion U.S. dollars, increasing nearly 30 percent from a year ago.
At a press conference in Tuesday, Zhang Jinsong, director-general of Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province, said the area has become a crucial driver for the entire province.
"Despite occupying less than 0.1 percent of the province's land area, the Guangdong Free Trade Zone has contributed 7.6 percent of the province's foreign trade of imports and exports, and one-quarter of its actual foreign investment," Zhang said.
The Guangdong FTZ was inaugurated in 2015, covering the Nansha New Area in Guangzhou City, Qianhai-Shekou Area in Shenzhen City, and Hengqin New Area in Zhuhai City.
Efficient customs clearance in Guangdong FTZ spurs cold chain logistics
