China is stepping up efforts to energize its central region with a series of new customs measures. The Chinese mainland’s General Administration of Customs (GAC) announced 16 key initiatives aimed at accelerating development in the heart of the country.
A centerpiece of these efforts is the Ezhou Huahu Airport in Hubei Province, the nation’s first cargo-focused airport. Since launching international operations in April 2023, the airport now operates 18 international and 50 domestic routes. Its international cargo throughput surpassed 100,000 tonnes last June, highlighting its growing significance in global trade.
In a move to enhance international connectivity, a new air cargo route linking Ezhou Huahu Airport with Budapest, Hungary, was launched last June. This direct route primarily serves parcel express and e-commerce goods, strengthening economic exchanges between China and Europe.
The GAC’s measures also include optimizing railway clearance processes, supporting cross-border e-commerce, and establishing demonstration areas to attract relocated processing trade industries. Plans are underway to support new and more frequent cargo flights at Ezhou Huahu International Airport.
Infrastructure upgrades are set for the land ports in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, and Hefei, Anhui Province. Additionally, the GAC will assist in formalizing a cooperation agreement between Changsha Huanghua International Airport in Hunan Province and Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, fostering greater international collaboration.
Beyond trade enhancements, the customs authority is committed to improving security in food, energy, and resources such as coal and minerals. Efforts will also focus on ecological protection and reducing carbon emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals.
Key initiatives involve strengthening coordinated disease prevention at ports and reforming inspection models for hazardous materials entering and leaving the country. These steps aim to promote ecological environmental protection and support green, low-carbon development in the central region.
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China unveils customs measures to boost central region's development
cgtn.com
