The 2024 China Outdoor Sports Industry Conference opened in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province on Saturday.
Themed "Embrace the Excitement of the Outdoors and Unleash Innovative Vitality," the four-day conference features four major sections including thematic activities, sporting shows, resource promotions and competitions.
The conference mascot, Sinan Hero, made its debut at the opening ceremony, which was inspired by the ancient Chinese compass, symbolizing both cultural heritage and contemporary spirit of outdoor sports.
At the opening ceremony, Yang Xuedong, director of the Sports Economy Department of the State General Administration of Sport, released the China Outdoor Sports Industry Development Report (2023-2024). The report shows that China's outdoor industry has become an important force to promote the sports industry as a whole. Several other reports were also released at the ceremony.
"This conference will run events and activities in Dali [Bai Autonomous Prefecture], Lijiang City, Diqing [Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture] and Nujiang [Lisu Autonomous Prefecture] in Yunnan Province. One of the key features is this matrix approach, marking the first-ever collaboration in jointly holding the event involving four localities, which further highlights the outdoor sports resources and industrial advantages of western Yunnan. There are participants from Britain and countries of South Asia and Southeast Asia, which expands the international cooperation channels and enhances the industry's global influence," Yang said.
The conference was sponsored by the All-China Sports Federation and jointly hosted by the China Sports Industry Group, Yunnan Provincial Sports Bureau and the governments of Dali, Lijiang, Nujiang and Diqing.
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Outdoor Sports Industry Conference opens in Yunnan
The government work report submitted Wednesday to China's national legislature for deliberation highlighted the importance of reducing logistics costs to enhance economic efficiency and industrial competitiveness, while also emphasizing the critical role of logistics in stabilizing foreign trade, said industry experts.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered the government work report on Wednesday at the opening meeting of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC).
The work report called for efforts to accelerate the development of a unified and open transportation market and implement a nationwide initiative to lower logistics costs, a move experts say, is crucial for high-quality economic growth.
The initiative aligns with the Chinese authorities' Action Plan for Effectively Reducing Logistics Costs, released in November 2024, and the relevant directives from the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission. Over 10 of the 31 provincial-level regions in the Chinese mainland have already worked out specific local measures for implementation.
"According to the action plan for effectively reducing logistics costs, the goal is to lower the logistics cost-to-GDP ratio to 13.5 percent by 2027. Achieving this target would cut the nation's total logistics costs by over 1 trillion yuan (138.2 billion U.S. dollars) annually, significantly boosting economic efficiency," said Cai Jin, president of the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP).
The initiative also aims to modernize supply chains, streamline production processes, and reduce unnecessary costs, ultimately boosting the competitiveness of the real economy, experts say.
The government work report also highlighted the role of logistics in stabilizing foreign trade and advancing cooperation in joint construction of the Belt and Road. To boost cross-border e-commerce, the report called for improving international delivery systems and expanding overseas warehouse networks.
In 2024, China's cross-border e-commerce imports and exports grew by 10.8 percent to 2.63 trillion yuan (363.5 billion U.S. dollars), driven by rapid growth in air freight, freight forwarding, and overseas warehousing. Chinese companies have built over 2,500 overseas warehouses, covering a total floor space of more than 30 million square meters.
Additionally, the government work report stressed the need to ensure stable operation of the cross-border China-Europe freight train transport service and to accelerate development of the Western Land-Sea New Corridor.
As Chinese manufacturing companies expand globally, logistics firms are increasing investments in traditional markets like Europe and the United States, as well as emerging markets in Southeast Asia, Mexico, and the Middle East, experts say.
"As our industries go global, logistics and supply chains will play a crucial supporting role, especially in procurement and resource supply. Ensuring the security of logistics and supply chains is essential in the course of overseas investments. We must strengthen the construction of the international logistics system to enhance the resilience and security of our overseas investments," Cai said.
China prioritizes logistics efficiency to enhance competitiveness, global trade
China prioritizes logistics efficiency to enhance competitiveness, global trade
