China's transport sector recorded stable growth in the first-quarter, with notable increases in freight volume, port throughput and infrastructure investment, an official with the Ministry of Transport said at a press conference Thursday.
Figure shows that China handled 13.06 billion tonnes of commercial freight during the first three months of the year, representing a 4.9 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
The country's courier service sector delivered more than 4.51 billion parcels in the first quarter, a 21.6 percent year-on-year surge.
"In the first quarter, the port cargo throughput was completed at 4.22 billion tons, a year-on-year increase of 3.2 percent. The container throughput reached 83.03 million twenty-feet units (TEUs), increasing by 8.2 percent year on year. Among them, the throughput in domestic and foreign trade routes increased by 3.6 percent and 11.5 percent respectively year-on-year," said Jin Jingdong, deputy director of the Department of Comprehensive Planning of the Ministry of Transport.
On the other hand, in the first quarter of this year, China completed 675.2 billion yuan (92.7 billion U.S. dollars) in transportation fixed asset investment, maintaining an overall high scale.
Jin said that the Ministry of Transport will continue to accelerate the implementation of major transportation projects and stabilize the scale of effective investment.
"The construction of a number of major projects, including the Container Terminal in Xiaoyangshan North Operation Area of Yangshan Port Area and the Pinglu Canal, is progressing smoothly. The preparation work for a batch of new projects, such as G3033 highway from Kuitun to Dushanzi, and the Three Gorges Water Transport New Channel, is speeding up, and we strive to start construction within the year," Jin said.
China's cargo transport volume sees steady growth in Q1
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
