Nov. 11 — The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said at a Belt
and Road briefing that during the 15th Five-Year period it will push four system
upgrades to lift China-Europe freight trains’ quality, efficiency and safety.
Measures include improving transport organization and cross-line coordination to
optimise transport models and customs facilitation; expanding resilient
multimodal corridors (rail, road, sea, air) and opening new multimodal routes;
strengthening coordination to safeguard corridor security and reliability; and
accelerating digital, intelligent and green upgrades, including new technologies
and equipment. The NDRC said next steps will prioritise coordinated development
of Silk Road maritime ports, shipping and trade, support ports and shipping
firms to raise operational efficiency, and enhance trade clearance and
settlement convenience.
