Jinan is accelerating the development of a new logistic hub, a key initiative designed to integrate its four major ports and strengthen links between ports, industries and the city. The project aims to position Jinan as a leader in opening-up. The announcement was made at a seminar held on Sept 11 as part of the 20th China International Logistics Week and the 22nd China International Transportation and Logistics Expo.

Located northeast of downtown Jinan, the new hub includes four ports — Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport, the railway freight center in Dongjia town, the Jinan port of the Xiaoqing and Jinan East Station — along with three functional zones. It is expected to make Jinan as a key node in China's comprehensive transportation network, a logistics center for northern China, and a driver of advanced manufacturing in the region.

Zhai Libo, director of the Jinan Port and Logistics Office, remarked that modern logistics is vital to the national economy and global trade. He highlighted the city's robust performance, noting that the total value of social logistics in Jinan has reached 4.38 trillion yuan ($615 billion), up 3.8 percent, while the total cost of social logistics amounted to 169.3 billion yuan, accounting for 12.5 percent of the city's GDP.

He added that with an enabling business environment, Jinan is well positioned to connect with the world through its logistics network and upgrade its industries with innovative technologies.

An aerial view of Xiaoqing River port, part of the logistic hub. [Photo/WeChat account: jinanxuanchuan]