The Urumqi international land port in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region has become a western gateway for China’s automobile exports, as more and more Chinese-made vehicles are transported to Europe and Central Asia via this route.
According to the statistics from the Urumqi Customs, the land port has handled 10,722 vehicles for export from January to October this year, a year-on-year increase of 1,062 percent. The total value of the exported vehicles reached 1.17 billion yuan ($182 million), a year-on-year increase of 1,087 percent.
The exported vehicles include passenger cars, trucks, buses, and special-purpose vehicles, which are mainly destined for countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Russia, and Belarus.
The land port has also witnessed a surge in the number of imported vehicles, which reached 2,156 in the same period, a year-on-year increase of 1,021 percent. The total value of the imported vehicles was 430 million yuan ($66.8 million), a year-on-year increase of 1,140 percent.
The imported vehicles include luxury cars, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles, which are mainly from countries such as Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the United States.
A strategic location for international logistics
The Urumqi international land port is located in the core area of the China-Europe Railway Express, which connects China with Europe and Central Asia via rail. The land port covers an area of 9.8 square kilometers and has a comprehensive bonded zone, a railway port, a highway port, and an airport.
The land port has been accelerating its transformation into an international logistics hub, aiming to become a major gateway for foreign trade. It has established a “one-stop” service platform for vehicle import and export, which integrates customs clearance, inspection, quarantine, warehousing, distribution, and maintenance.
The land port has also been promoting the “vehicle-train” mode of transportation, which allows vehicles to be directly loaded onto trains and transported to their destinations. This mode can save time, cost, and energy, and reduce the risk of damage and theft.
The land port has also been exploring the “vehicle-air” mode of transportation, which allows vehicles to be airlifted to remote areas or regions with poor road conditions. This mode can expand the market reach and enhance the competitiveness of Chinese vehicles.
A bright prospect for auto trade
The land port has become a preferred choice for many domestic and foreign auto enterprises, as it offers a convenient and efficient channel for vehicle import and export. The land port has attracted more than 30 auto enterprises, including well-known brands such as SAIC Motor, FAW Group, Changan Automobile, Geely Auto, and Tesla.
The land port has also been fostering cooperation with auto enterprises and dealers in Europe and Central Asia, and building a “vehicle trade corridor” along the Belt and Road. The land port has hosted several auto trade fairs and exhibitions, and signed a number of cooperation agreements and contracts.
The land port has also been supporting the development of the local auto industry, and creating a “vehicle industry cluster” in Xinjiang. The land port has facilitated the transfer of advanced technologies, equipment, and talents, and promoted the innovation and upgrading of the local auto enterprises.
The land port has also been contributing to the economic and social development of Xinjiang, and creating a “vehicle culture” in the region. The land port has created more than 10,000 jobs, and boosted the consumption and tourism of vehicles.
The land port has a bright prospect for auto trade, as it is expected to handle more than 20,000 vehicles for import and export by the end of this year, and more than 100,000 vehicles by 2025.
