Nansha launches online platform to boost foreign trade

The international service platform integrating smart tariffs and logistics was officially launched online on April 29 in the Nansha area of the Guangdong (China) Pilot Free Trade Zone on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the establishment of the Guangdong FTZ.

The platform, which applies advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, has realized the legal connection among all electronic ports around the world, as well as convenient remote cross-border clearance.

Currently, the system has established a database covering port regulations and goods tariffs from 201 countries.

"Integrating various processes of cross-border commerce to the platform can significantly cut down the cost for the cohesion between different processes, contributing to the increase of international competitiveness of foreign trade companies," said Zhang Weizhi, the person in charge of the platform.

It is estimated that the cost for bilateral clearance can be reduced by 70 percent to 80 percent, while the cross-border logisticss cost can be lowered by 15 percent to 30 percent.

Zhang noted that at present, the platform is open to all trade companies in Nansha or companies using Nansha Port to carry out import and export business for free due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), helping foreign trade companies to expand into international markets.

"During this time period, no single country or single organization around the world can carry out trade by its own," said Mohammad Saeed, senior adviser on trade facilitation and business policy at the International Trade Center.

Nansha launches an international service platform integrating smart tariffs and logistics on April 29. [Photo by Li Xuyang/Guangzhou Daily]