On October 25, 2024, at 8:00 PM, coinciding with the 4th Hunan (Yueyang) Border Trade Expo, a conference was held to link resources between China and Thailand through the Yueyang-ASEAN refrigerated cargo railway project. Organized by the Yueyang Municipal Government of Hunan Province, the conference brought together representatives from industry associations of both countries, trade association leaders, import and export companies, and senior officials from relevant government departments. The purpose was to explore new routes for promoting trade cooperation between the two countries. The conference was chaired by Mr. Chen Shaodong, Deputy Secretary-General of the Yueyang Municipal Government, highlighting the significance of this event and the strong support from the government.
At the meeting, all parties engaged in an in-depth exchange of views on fully utilizing the advantages of Yueyang’s waterway port and railway network to promote the integration of rail and water transportation. Key discussion topics focused on efficiently importing unique agricultural products from the Mekong River basin—such as tropical fruits, vegetables, tapioca starch, and raw materials for the rubber industry—into the Chinese market. At the same time, the discussion also included exporting temperate-zone fruits and vegetables, agricultural materials, fertilizers, and new energy vehicles from China to Southeast Asian countries. This approach aims to enhance resource advantages for both sides and expand markets in both directions.
In his speech, Mr. Yan Han, President of the Mekong River Economic Development Promotion Association, stated that although integrated rail and road transport between China and Thailand currently faces certain challenges and obstacles, strengthening close cooperation between the two governments and fully utilizing policy resources can foster deeper governmental cooperation, remove logistical barriers, and facilitate smoother international trade.
Mr. Chen Shaodong, Deputy Secretary-General of the Yueyang Municipal Government, emphasized that with its unique geographical location, strong industrial foundation, and abundant agricultural resources, Yueyang has outstanding potential to become a hub for goods exchange and transportation between China and Thailand. He proposed that Yueyang will actively expedite the distribution of tropical fruits from ASEAN to markets in central provinces such as Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, and Anhui. Additionally, a logistics system will be developed to consolidate agricultural products from western provinces like Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia in Yueyang, allowing for precise sorting and delivery to ASEAN countries, thereby promoting joint economic development in the region.
To ensure the smooth operation of the Yueyang-ASEAN refrigerated cargo railway, the Yueyang municipal government has established a special committee, directly overseen by the Deputy Mayor. Meanwhile, the Hunan Province Refrigerated Logistics Association has responded enthusiastically, forming a task force composed of over ten affiliated companies to jointly advance the project. According to reports, the first test shipment of agricultural products, starting from Thailand and passing through Huaihua before reaching Yueyang, is scheduled to begin in mid-December. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in refrigerated logistics cooperation between Yueyang and ASEAN countries.
This meeting not only provided a platform to strengthen economic and trade cooperation between China and Thailand but also infused new momentum into regional economic development and the enhancement of the international logistics system. With the cooperative measures to be implemented in the coming stages, Yueyang is poised to become a strategic hub for trade and transportation, linking China with the Southeast Asian region.
