Shou Xiaoli:

This will be the last question.

Yicai:

Reducing overall logistics costs is an important measure to improve economic efficiency. In 2023, the ratio of total logistics costs to GDP decreased compared with the previous year. What measures will the Ministry of Transport take to further reduce logistics costs? Thank you.

Li Xiaopeng:

Thank you for your interest in our efforts to reduce costs, improve quality, and enhance efficiency in the distribution process.

Effectively reducing logistics costs nationwide is a key task in this year's national economic agenda. As key fields, the transportation and logistics industries play an important role in achieving this goal. In recent years, we have made significant efforts to reduce costs, improve quality, and enhance efficiency, achieving positive results.

First, we have been continuously improving the transportation and logistics infrastructure network. As mentioned earlier, we have built the world's largest high-speed rail network, the most extensive expressway network, the biggest port cluster, and the most comprehensive postal and express delivery network, all of which play crucial supporting roles in logistics development.

Second, freight logistics continue to operate efficiently. In 2023, we handled approximately 150 million tons of cargo transportation and delivered 445 million postal and express deliveries daily. The efficiency of cargo transportation and circulation has maintained a high level.

Third, we've seen continuous optimization of our transportation structure. In 2023, the proportion of cargo transported by railways and waterways increased by 1.4 and 3 percentage points, respectively, compared to 2017. This indicates an ongoing improvement and optimization of the transportation structure.

Fourth, transportation and logistics operations have become more efficient and convenient. We have effectively reduced logistics costs by vigorously developing multimodal transport. For example, Ningbo-Zhoushan Port has innovated a "single document" system for multimodal transport, achieving "one-time consignment, one price quotation, one document throughout and one settlement" for sea-rail combined transportation. This has helped to reduce logistics costs by approximately 500 yuan per container on average.

Although we have made various achievements, there is still significant room for improvement compared to developed countries in the logistics industry. For instance, while the cost of individual logistics segments is relatively low, the operational cost of the entire chain remains high. In addition, the efficiency of resource allocation and circulation needs further improvement. Furthermore, the adjustment of our transportation structure and the development of multimodal transport services must be further deepened to achieve broader implementation of the "single document" system and "single container" system nationwide.

Next, to address the aforementioned issues, we will organize and carry out a special action to reduce costs, improve quality, and enhance efficiency in transportation logistics. We will devote significant effort to make structural, systemic, institutional, technical, comprehensive, and operational improvements in this regard. We will accelerate the construction of the main framework of the integrated multidimensional transportation networks, especially the implementation of the inland waterways connectivity project and the railway freight network project. We will advance the strengthening and extension of national comprehensive freight hubs, ensuring smooth transportation and logistics infrastructure networks. Furthermore, we will adjust the transportation structure, leveraging the comparative advantages of various transportation modes, promoting appropriate use of highways, railways, waterways, and airways, and continuously advancing multimodal transport services. We will encourage the construction of dedicated railway lines into ports, industrial parks, and factory areas, improving the combined efficiency of comprehensive transportation. Additionally, we will also improve the standards and management for the "single document" system and "single container" system in multimodal transport services, accelerate the cultivation of multimodal transport operators with full-service capabilities, steadily expand the scale of international shipping fleets, aviation fleets, China-Europe freight trains and international road transport, thereby improving the diversified international logistics network.

We believe that through the concerted efforts of all parties, greater results will be achieved in reducing costs, improving quality and boosting efficiency in the transportation and logistics sector. This will lead to a more complete network, more efficient operations, more optimized management and more considerate services. We will work to pursue high-quality development and make greater contributions to constructing a modern industrial system and creating a new pattern of development. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you, Mr. Li. Thank you to all the speakers and the journalists who participated today. Today's press conference is hereby concluded. Goodbye, everyone.

Translated and edited by Yan Bin, Yuan Fang, Wang Ziteng, Liu Sitong, Liu Caiyi, Wang Yanfang, Li Xiao, Ma Yujia, Lin Liyao, Li Huiru, Cui Can, Yan Xiaoqing, Zhang Junmian, Huang Shan, David Ball, Jay Birbeck, and Rochelle Beiersdorfer. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.