Gansu, historically a golden corridor of the ancient Silk Road, serves as a vital transportation hub connecting east to west and south to north. With inherent openness and deep-rooted trade traditions, the province is leveraging the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to strengthen its strategic role in China's westward expansion.
During the "14th Five-Year" period, Gansu has actively integrated into high-quality BRI cooperation and the New Western Land-Sea Corridor. The province has accelerated the development of a multi-directional open economy, emphasizing westward expansion while balancing domestic and international markets.
**Expanding International Freight Networks** Gansu has emerged as a key player in the New Western Land-Sea Corridor. In March, the province launched the multimodal "China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan-Afghanistan" international freight train, now operating regularly. From January to September, Gansu dispatched 124 international freight trains (5,567 cars) and 2,387 additional shipments, marking a 27.37% year-on-year increase.
The province now operates multiple international freight routes, including China-Europe, Central Asia (China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan), South Asia, and the New Western Land-Sea Corridor, reaching over 30 countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Specialized routes, such as the China-Europe auto parts (JSQ-type) train and the China-Laos railway freight service, have further diversified trade options.
**Strengthening Logistics and Connectivity** Gansu has deepened cooperation with major seaports, transforming Lanzhou International Land Port into a critical "dry port" for westward trade. The province has also expanded its air cargo network, launching routes like Lanzhou-Beijing (featuring specialty agricultural exports) and Lanzhou-Moscow, totaling 21 international air freight routes.
To enhance global logistics, Gansu International Logistics Group established a warehouse in Peru, leveraging the Chancay Port hub. The province now operates 58 overseas warehouses, supporting efficient cross-border trade.
**Platform-Driven Growth** Lanzhou New Area has emerged as a hub for integrated logistics, processing imported goods like barley, flaxseed, and corn for domestic distribution. The area’s comprehensive bonded zone, international airport, and railway port form a multi-dimensional open platform.
The 31st Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair (LANGF) highlighted Gansu’s global engagement, featuring Indonesia as the guest country and hosting 17 international trade events. The fair facilitated new partnerships in cross-border e-commerce, bonded processing, and logistics.
**Trade and Investment Momentum** Gansu’s foreign trade surged 14.5% YoY in the first nine months of 2024, ranking sixth nationally in growth. Key exports include apples ($360 million) and apple juice ($320 million). The province has also attracted $8.619 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) and expanded outbound investments to 46 countries, led by state-owned enterprises like Jinchuan Group.
**Cultural and Technological Exchange** Gansu has deepened ties with BRI partners in culture, technology, and education. The province hosts 69 international sister cities and has showcased Dunhuang’s heritage globally through exhibitions and academic exchanges. In healthcare, Gansu’s traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) centers abroad have treated over 236,900 patients, boosting the sector’s global reputation.
As the "15th Five-Year" period approaches, Gansu continues to widen its open-door policies, capitalizing on BRI opportunities to solidify its role as a key player in China’s international trade landscape.
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