Chambers of Commerce and Industry from 15 countries along the New Western Land-Sea Corridor visited Chongqing to explore new opportunities for corridor construction

On October 24, the International Chamber of Commerce for the New Land-Sea Trade Corridor launched its “Chongqing Trip” event in Chongqing, bringing together business leaders from 15 countries along the Western Land-Sea New Corridor and representatives from China’s “13+2” trade promotion associations. The focus of the gathering is to explore opportunities for coordinated regional economic development and promote open cooperation in supply chains and industrial chains.

Over the past five years since the implementation of the “Western Land-Sea New Corridor Overall Plan,” this corridor has evolved from a “single line” into a “network.” It has expanded from one to 17 routes, creating three logistics methods: iron-sea combined transportation, international railway interconnected services, and cross-border road transport. The total number of trains operating has surpassed 30,000, reaching over 500 ports in 125 countries and regions, up from 166 ports in 71 countries and regions. The Western Land-Sea New Corridor is gradually transforming into a major international logistics artery, an industrial development channel, and a hub for open cooperation.

Ren Hongbin, President of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the China International Chamber of Commerce, stated that the market serviced by the Western Land-Sea New Corridor is continuously expanding and becoming more connected. This development is expected to generate substantial economies of scale, industrial clustering effects, and external growth opportunities, offering more market, investment, and development prospects for businesses across nations. He emphasized the need to leverage the corridor’s connectivity with the Belt and Road Initiative to create an integrated ecosystem that incorporates logistics, trade, industry, finance, and digital sectors, while exploring collaborative models like joint industrial parks and cross-border e-commerce.

Saifzoda Shahlo, Vice Chairman of the Tajikistan Chamber of Commerce, expressed hope that under the framework of the Western Land-Sea New Corridor, there could be regular exchanges of investment opportunities and market trends. This exchange would assist entrepreneurs in making informed decisions and discovering new sales markets. Additionally, he expressed interest in participating in joint projects for infrastructure development and innovation, supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and positioning the corridor as a platform that nurtures SME development and fosters long-term collaboration among participants.

Theerapat Prayurasiddhi, Vice Chairman of the Thailand-China Business Council, emphasized that the Western Land-Sea New Corridor serves not only as a logistics route but also as a channel for cooperation and prosperity among nations. He noted that Thailand is not just a transit hub in this corridor; improved infrastructure connectivity has accelerated trade between Thailand and China in sectors such as agriculture, electronics, and manufacturing, opening new markets for Thailand in China. Simultaneously, Chinese companies are expanding their businesses in Southeast Asia through Thailand. Through ongoing collaboration, investment, and sustainable development, both nations can create a bright future together.

The “Chongqing Trip” event is being held from October 23 to 25 and will feature a series of activities, including the signing of strategic cooperation agreements, business cooperation roundtable discussions, and trade investment inspections.