As an important gateway connecting domestic and foreign markets, ports bear the heavy responsibility of economic and trade exchanges and factor circulation. The new top-level plan has been implemented, outlining the path for port construction in the next five years and continuously activating the momentum of opening up and development to the outside world.

development goals

On July 22, 2026, the State Council Information Office announced at a press conference that, with the approval of the State Council, the General Administration of Customs and the National Development and Reform Commission jointly issued the 15th Five Year Plan for Port Modernization. The document sets phased development goals, with significant progress made in port modernization construction by 2030, continuous optimization of layout, comprehensive deployment of smart ports, initial formation of green development models, and comprehensive improvement of cross-border connectivity efficiency, safety prevention and control level, and port governance capabilities. By 2035, Chinese path to modernization ports will be basically completed, providing solid support for high-quality development and high-level safety. Keywords: modernization of ports, opening up to the outside world

Key Directions

The plan specifies multiple core tasks, including optimizing the layout of port opening, upgrading infrastructure, enhancing cross-border connectivity, releasing port radiation efficiency, strengthening security prevention and control, and improving the port governance system. Zhang Baofeng, Deputy Director General of the General Administration of Customs, stated that this document is the overall blueprint for the development of national ports during the 15th Five Year Plan period. The construction of ports during the 14th Five Year Plan period guarantees the operation of platforms such as Hainan Free Trade Port and Hengqin Guangdong Macao Deep Cooperation Zone for customs clearance. In the next stage, we will build a safe, efficient, intelligent, legal and green five type port, and construct a world-class modern port with Chinese characteristics.Editor/Min Jing