ILSTC INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE AND COOPERATION MECHANISM LAUNCHED IN CHONGQING

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 10 (Bernama) -- The International Exchange and Cooperation Coordination Mechanism of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) was officially launched in Chongqing to deepen regional connectivity and support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

Jointly initiated by the Foreign Affairs Office of the Chongqing Municipal Government and the Port and Logistics Office of the Chongqing Municipal Government, the mechanism was attended by embassies and consulates of countries along the ILSTC, mainly ASEAN members, according to a statement.

The mechanism marks a new stage of institutionalised and regular international cooperation along the corridor. Designed as a cross-border communication platform, it focuses on policy coordination, experience sharing, and practical cooperation.

Through the platform, Chongqing aims to promote exchanges with ASEAN countries and contribute to building a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future. To ensure smooth communication, all parties agreed to establish and regularly update an ILSTC international exchange and cooperation contact list.

The mechanism will strengthen information sharing by timely releasing and updating policies and regulations related to trade, logistics, and investment, while promoting key cooperation projects and sharing best practices. It will also serve as a problem-solving platform, helping trade and logistics enterprises address cross-border bottlenecks through targeted consultations.

Chongqing is accelerating efforts to build a centre for international exchanges in central and western China and a leading zone for inland opening-up and cooperation, consolidating the city’s role as a key hub in corridor development.

The ILSTC now connects 75 cities and 164 rail hubs across China and reaches 584 ports in 127 countries and regions worldwide.

At the launch ceremony, participants jointly released the Chongqing Initiative on International Exchanges and Cooperation Along the New ILSTC, calling for expanded cooperation in trade, logistics, and culture, promoting regional economic integration, and fostering stronger people-to-people ties through exchange activities, travel facilitation, and deeper mutual understanding.

-- BERNAMA