Reducing logistics costs for the whole society and improving economic operation efficiency are important strategic measures for our country at present. In the first quarter of this year, my country actively promoted the construction of a modern railway logistics system and achieved remarkable results, providing strong support for the development of the real economy.

Not long ago, the first single-train sea express train in Northeast China successfully departed from Heilongjiang Fujin Station. This innovative measure means that enterprises only need to sign one document with the railway carrier and complete one settlement, which greatly simplifies the logistics process and improves transportation efficiency. In the past, companies needed to go through tedious procedures with multiple units such as railways, ports, and shipping companies, which not only consumed a lot of time and energy, but also increased logistics costs.

In order to effectively reduce the logistics costs of the whole society, China is vigorously promoting the development of multimodal transport one-way system. In 2024, with railway transportation as the backbone, we will scientifically allocate transportation resources, optimize transportation processes, and accelerate the construction of a modern railway logistics system. Up to now, the State Railway Group has successfully established 40 railway logistics centers across the country, marking significant progress in the construction of a modern railway logistics system.

According to data from China Railway Group, the number of direct express trains operating across the country has reached 340, and the number of railway logistics bases has reached 165. In the first quarter of this year, container rail-water intermodal transport volume achieved a record of 3.3 million TEUs, a year-on-year increase of 11%. At the same time, the national railways have also developed 186 logistics general contracting projects, with an annual contract transportation volume of more than 280 million tons, injecting strong impetus into economic development.

By 2024, my country will continue to increase the construction of dedicated railway lines and logistics bases in key areas to further enhance the market competitiveness of railway freight. We firmly believe that by continuously optimizing and improving the modern railway logistics system, we will effectively reduce the logistics costs of the whole society and promote high-quality economic development.Editor/Cheng Liting