China Commits To Building ‘World-Class’ Ports With New 5-Year Plan

China has announced a Five-Year Plan to upgrade and modernise its ports of entry by 2030, as part of a plan jointly issued by the General Administration of Customs (GAC) and the National Development and Reform Commission.

The aim is to build a more efficient port network, upgrade the infrastructural facilities and apply smart technologies across the facilities to streamline operations, boost efficiency and increase cargo handling capacity.

China also wants to promote smooth cross-border connectivity, stronger governance and more effective security measures.

Beijing wants to complete the modernisation program of the ports by 2035 to further high-quality development and strengthen national security.

“The plan serves as the blueprint for the country’s port development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period,” said Zhang Baofeng, deputy head of the GAC.

Zhang also said that China would build ports that are safe, smart, efficient, green and better governed under the Rule of Law, to build world-class modern ports.

The plan also covers inspection facilities, cargo receiving and storage areas, and distribution infrastructure, along with the expansion of container-transfer capacity.

A smart-port programme covers Tianjin, Tangshan, Yingkou, Dalian, Taicang, Lianyungang, Zhoushan, Ningbo, Weihai, Qingdao, Guangzhou and Pingtan.

The focus is also on increasing the use of automated inspection equipment and building intelligent customs services platforms powered by AI to make the work faster and more efficient while enhancing the national single-window system, financial, supply-chain and logistics platforms.

The strategy also calls for an integration of customs with ports, container yards, railway facilities and warehouses, to reduce duplication and boost cargo transfers between roads, railways and airways.

Port development will first focus on major maritime gateways, followed by low-performing ports, and those not performing well will be shut down.

According to sources, as of now, no official investment figure or project timetable has been released for the same.