The first ship to complete the two-way voyage along the sea link between Shanghai and Chancay Port in Peru returned to China on Wednesday, marking the opening of the new route that greatly shortens transit time and cuts logistical costs between China and Latin America.
Loaded with 20,000 tons of Peruvian fruits such as blueberries, avocados, grapes and mangoes, the China COSCO Shipping-operated "Xin Shanghai" container ship arrived at the Yangshan Port in Shanghai after a 23-day journey from Chancay Port.
Witnessed by the leaders of the two countries, Chancay Port, built by Chinese companies, officially opened in Peru last month.
In the past, cargo needed to be transported via Callao Port in Peru, and transit took over a month. Chancay Port drastically shortens the transit time and cuts logistical costs by 20 percent.
The ship carries 4,300 containers of cargo, including more than 150 refrigerated containers with over 3,000 tons of fruit including blueberries, avocados and grapes. Agricultural products of this kind require quicker customs clearance and immigration inspection procedures.
"We strengthened our communications with border inspections, port and ship agents before the ship was berthed. We've conducted pre-inspection procedures and boarding procedures for operating personnel via our single window and online platforms," said Fan Yong, a staff member of the Yangshan Immigration Inspection Station.
The destination of these containers covers more than Shanghai. Some will head to Hong Kong and other Chinese cities, while others will go to Southeast Asia.
"The cargo is on the ship and we'll ship everything to its final destination via our service network in a safe way," said Chen Xiaochen, section manager of the Latin America and Africa Trade Division under the COSCO Shipping Lines.
Yan Shuang, captain of the Xin Shanghai Ship, said he was proud to complete the historic voyage.
"I am indeed very happy. I'm very honored to become the first captain to sail the ship along such an important route. I'm very happy," he said.
There is currently one ship operating every week along the route, but COSCO shipping says it will increase the frequency in the future to strengthen trade in the Asia-Pacific region.
First cargo ship returns to China from Chancay Port in landmark voyage
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
