RCEP cuts tariffs, streamlines customs clearance for fresh exports

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world's largest free trade agreement, has enabled more traders to benefit from tariff reductions, creating significant business opportunities.

Official data show that since the RCEP's entry into effect in 2022, Fujian Province in east China has seen the value of its exports reach 10.31 billion yuan (about 14.3 billion U.S. dollars), ranking the first in the Chinese mainland.

The impressive figure highlights Fujian's status as one of the largest beneficiaries within the RCEP framework, a fact evidenced by the bustling airport operation in Xiamen, a coastal city in the province.

One of the key advantages for businesses there is the faster and more efficient customs clearance, which helps maintain product freshness during transport.

"Fresh-cut flowers are quite delicate. If the export process isn't completed in the shortest possible time, they might wilt or rot. Since the entry into effect of the RCEP, we can now complete the customs declaration, inspection, and clearance process for flowers exported to Singapore in as fast as two hours, saving at least 12 hours compared to before," said Qiu Huali, head of a local logistics company.

This expedited clearance process is made possible by the RCEP's rules.

"According to the RCEP rules, perishable goods like flowers and fresh produce can clear customs within six hours between member countries. This also applies to airfreight, with general cargo typically cleared within 48 hours after arrival," said Zheng Zhe, an official at the Xiamen Airport Customs Office.

Qiu said his company looks forward to expanding their markets by leveraging the pact's benefits.

"Our Singaporean customers have provided feedback, saying they are impressed with the freshness of our flowers, which far exceeds that of our competitors. We are now planning to expand our export reach to Japan, Australia, and other RCEP member countries," Qiu said.

Qiu's goal reflects the growing trade opportunities within the RCEP framework.

Effective to the signatories as of January 1, 2022, the RCEP comprises 10 ASEAN member states, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, together with their five free-trade partners which are China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

RCEP cuts tariffs, streamlines customs clearance for fresh exports

A new China Global Television Network (CGTN) documentary explores how the historic Long March spirit is driving modern innovation, as young Chinese researchers and engineers are channeling this relentless drive to overcome critical bottlenecks in the EV and AI industries.

Titled "The Source of AI: Not a Single Rock Goes to Waste", the documentary highlights the pioneering journeys of Zhong Yu and He Pengyu.

Two years ago, Zhong made a pivotal career shift, leaving a long-established automaker to return to China and join Farasis Energy, a homegrown battery manufacturer based in Ganzhou City of east China's Jiangxi Province.

Working around the clock, Zhong and his team are developing solid-state batteries. This next-generation technology promises higher energy density and enhanced safety, having the potential to completely disrupt the current automotive landscape.

Through his research, Zhong is determined to establish China as a global leader in the battery sector.

While Zhong focuses on the power sources of the future, He Pengyu is tackling the foundational raw materials required for the EV and AI boom.

The rapid expansion of these sectors has triggered a massive surge in demand for copper and rare earth elements. However, extracting and separating these valuable minerals from raw ore has long been a formidable technical hurdle.

Without advanced equipment, China's mining industry once relied on grueling, inefficient manual sorting.

Determined to change this paradigm after returning from his studies in France, He founded HPY Sorting. The company has developed a revolutionary AI-driven optical ore sorting system capable of automatically separating waste rock from valuable ore.

Processing up to 300 tons of ore per hour, this intelligent sorting technology is now deployed in mines across the world, replacing tasks that once relied on human experience with precision-driven algorithms and automated machinery.

He Pengyu hopes that through his innovation, not a single rock goes to waste.

The documentary is part of CGTN's "Breaking Through" series, which traces China's journey from the historic Long March undertaken by the Red Army nine decades ago to its modern-day achievements, highlighting the resilience, ingenuity, and determination of its people.

Long March spirit drives critical breakthroughs in China's EV, AI industries: documentary