Chinese premier Xi Jinping has underlined the importance of a state-of-the-art logistics network to the country’s development.
Xi stressed that coordinated efforts to build a modern logistics system would be at the heart of the country’s “dual circulation” economic model during a meeting of the Central Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs, state broadcaster CCTV reported.
Dual circulation is defined as giving increasing emphasis to China’s growing domestic market while allowing this boost to external markets.
The meeting was told there had been progress in the development of China’s logistics system, but much more needed to be done.
The logistics system was insufficiently modernised and needed to feature more innovation and high-quality growth, said CCTV.
The meeting led to a pledge that China would establish a comprehensive modern transport system by 2035.
In a joint statement China’s Central Committee and the State Council said the system would be composed of several networks, including a high-speed rail network with a network of low-speed railways, motorways, civil aviation routes, waterways, and oil and gas pipelines.
Meanwhile the Chinese government is setting up a transparent public procurement system which it aims to integrate into the international public procurement market, Asia Today reported.
“Engaging in the huge market of international public procurement will help enterprises make full use of both domestic and international markets and resources, and strengthen cooperation with countries, regions, and international organisations,” said Zhang Shaogang, vice-chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.
Zhang called for Chinese firms to take part in international public procurement opportunities for bodies such as the UN, and to increase communication with international organisations.
☛ Want to stay up to date with the news? Sign up to our daily bulletin.