Ningbo Introduces 20 New Measures to Enhance Cross-border Trade Efficiency and Optimize Port Business Environment

 

 

On May 29, the Ningbo Municipal Government convened a conference to implement the 2025 cross-border trade facilitation reform initiative, unveiling a new action plan for advancing trade efficiency.

 

 

Press conference photo by Li Hua

 

 

In accordance with the "Several Measures for Continuously Deepening Cross-border Trade Facilitation Reform at Ningbo Port in 2025" jointly developed by the Port Office of Ningbo, Ningbo Customs, and relevant departments, Ningbo will implement 20 key initiatives across multiple areas. These include establishing a regulatory framework conducive to the development of New Quality Productive Forces, enhancing the efficiency of cross-border logistics and supply chains, fostering deeper integration of diverse trade models, and creating a "Three Best" port business environment, thereby advancing cross-border trade facilitation reforms.

To align with the advancement of New Quality Productive Forces, Ningbo will refine the regulatory approach for "New Three" exports, streamline customs clearance procedures for pharmaceutical and food products, and bolster the global competitiveness of its automobile export sector.

Ningbo will enhance the joint incentive mechanism for AEO-certified enterprises, facilitate online customs clearance processes, optimize port logistics operations, accelerate smart port development, and collaborate to reduce cross-border logistics costs—all aimed at cultivating a "Three Best" port business ecosystem.

Last year, Ningbo became the first among China's 20 pilot cities to implement a comprehensive work plan, aligning with national initiatives to enhance cross-border trade facilitation and optimize the business environment. The city successfully executed 31 measures across four key areas, effectively driving the high-quality development of foreign trade.

"From 2018 through 2024, we've continuously improved Ningbo Port's business environment," stated an official from the Port Office of Ningbo Municipal People's Government. "Through systemic reforms and innovations, we've made customs clearance more convenient, efficient, and cost-effective for businesses. Particularly in 2024, with ongoing refinements to clearance procedures, Ningbo introduced institutional innovations like the AEO cross-departmental incentive program, delivering new customs solutions for import-export enterprises."

On May 8-9, 2025, the GACC (National Port Management Office) hosted a national seminar on cross-border trade facilitation in Ningbo. Two exemplary initiatives were selected among the National Port Office's 16 Best Practices for 2024 in enhancing trade facilitation: Ningbo's pioneering "AEO Premium Certification Benefits Expansion Program", and the "Single Declaration System for International Vessels" which significantly improves maritime regulatory efficiency.

A Ningbo Customs official stated that the agency will concentrate on developing New Quality Productive Forces and advancing high-standard opening up. Through continuous reforms in customs supervision services and policy optimization, Ningbo Customs will provide robust support for building a world-class port and establishing Ningbo as a dual-circulation hub city.

Since the State Council issued the "Work Plan for Optimizing Port Business Environment and Facilitating Cross-border Trade" in 2018, the Ningbo Port Authority, as the coordinating body for cross-border trade facilitation, has collaborated annually with customs, maritime authorities, border inspection agencies, and other relevant municipal departments to develop specialized work plans. These initiatives effectively integrate national mandates with local innovations to consistently enhance the port's business climate.

Over the seven-year reform period, Ningbo Port's import-export trade volume surged by nearly 60%, rising from RMB 1.6 trillion in 2018 to RMB 2.54 trillion in 2024. Its share of national trade also grew from 5.25% to 5.80%, marking a 0.55 percentage point increase. Ningbo Zhoushan Port achieved a nearly 30% growth in cargo throughput, escalating from 1.08 billion tons in 2018 to 1.37 billion tons in 2024. Container throughput similarly expanded by approximately 50%, climbing from 26.351 million TEUs to 39.3 million TEUs during the same period.

According to the prestigious Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index, Ningbo-Zhoushan has accomplished a remarkable "triple jump" within four years, steadily climbing the rankings since its debut at 10th place globally in 2021.

 

 

---

            Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of Tide News. The Tide News version shall prevail.