Chongqing: The International Exchange and Cooperation Coordination Mechanism of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) was officially launched in Chongqing to deepen regional connectivity and support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the mechanism was jointly initiated by the Foreign Affairs Office of the Chongqing Municipal Government and the Port and Logistics Office of the Chongqing Municipal Government. It saw participation from embassies and consulates of countries along the ILSTC, primarily ASEAN members. The mechanism signifies a new stage of institutionalised and regular international cooperation along the corridor and is designed as a cross-border communication platform focusing on policy coordination, experience sharing, and practical cooperation.
Chongqing aims to promote exchanges with ASEAN countries through this platform and contribute to building a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future. To ensure smooth communication, all parties have agreed to establish and regularly update an ILSTC international exchange and cooperation contact list.
The mechanism's objectives include strengthening information sharing by timely releasing and updating policies and regulations related to trade, logistics, and investment. It will promote key cooperation projects and share best practices, while also serving as a problem-solving platform to help trade and logistics enterprises address cross-border bottlenecks through targeted consultations.
Chongqing is accelerating efforts to build a centre for international exchanges in central and western China, aiming to be a leading zone for inland opening-up and cooperation, and consolidating the city's role as a key hub in corridor development. The ILSTC now connects 75 cities and 164 rail hubs across China and reaches 584 ports in 127 countries and regions worldwide.
At the launch ceremony, participants jointly released the Chongqing Initiative on International Exchanges and Cooperation Along the New ILSTC, calling for expanded cooperation in trade, logistics, and culture, and promoting regional economic integration.