Chongqing- Loaded with Chongqing-made new energy vehicles (NEVs) and other goods, the New International Land-sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) train departed from Chongqing Tuanjie Village Station on January 22, heading for Indonesia, the Philippines, and other countries. 

During the Spring Festival, the ILSTC hit a record high with 18 trains operated, its freight volume grew by 50.5% yearly, and the special purchases for the Spring Festival were part of the cargo. 

Statistics show overseas searches for "Chinese New Year products" have increased 23 times more than usual, becoming hot items in various places to resume and boost consumption. 

The rail-sea combined transport train of the ILSTC departed from Chongqing Tuanjie Village Station. (Photo/ Visual Chongqing)

Saving about 2,000 yuan per container of Thai durian

This Spring Festival, all sorts of Chinese food were exported to overseas countries via ILSTC, becoming a new growth point for local foreign trade, including Chongqing specialties like hotpot condiments and fried dough twist as western featured products like Xinjiang Hami melon and Guangxi snail noodles. 

Taking Thai durian as an example, the ILSTC shortened the logistics time of Thai durian to western China by about six days and saved about 2,000 yuan per container, making the product more affordable.

In addition, Southeast Asian specialty goods can reach the Chinese market more quickly via ILSTC, including Lao glutinous rice and Cambodian bananas, which are becoming the new favorite of Chinese New Year products. 

People selected goods in the ILSTC food distribution center. (Photo/ ILSTC)

Corridor economy connecting Southeast Asia and South Asia

As the country's effective strategy to open up to the world, the ILSTC  benefits not only western Chinese regions, including Chongqing, but also countries along the corridor, such as Southeast Asia and South Asia. 

Thanks to the ILSTC, China has conducted all-around cooperation with foreign countries. For example, relying on Malaysian palm oil, rubber, petroleum, and other resources, China has promoted the formation of the Malaysian Supply Chain Resource Center of the ILSTC. 

As the main economic center in Southwest China, Chongqing has also promoted its local products to foreign markets, including automobiles, motorcycles, and mobile phones. 

Data showed in 2022, Chongqing transported 53,000 TEUs with ASEAN countries via ILSTC with a value of 13.5 billion yuan, driving the import and export trade volume between Chongqing and ASEAN to 126.6 billion yuan.