Reform and Opening Up: Central China explores ways to achieve economic boom

World
Europe

03:05

Sending goods to and from China is now easier than ever, thanks to a number of free trade zones. One such zone in the inland city of Zhengzhou may hold the key to connecting China with even more of the world. As our reporter Xia Ruixue shows us, it's all about location.

Xu Chaofeng believes it's the best time for his Zhengzhou wine business.

With the area's free trade zone opening last April, Xu can now import wine at reasonable prices. He says he knew of this investment potential years ago, but couldn't seize the opportunity.

XU CHAOFENG, MANAGER HENAN KAIYUAN INT'L TRADE CO., LTD "Before, very few chateaus were willing to make direct deals with me, because it was too complicated. I had to declare my imported wines in Qingdao. That took 10-15 days. Then I'd have them delivered to Zhengzhou. Now everything can be done here in one day thanks to the FTZ. It takes only one day, and saves money."

Xu wasn't the only one who witnessed the city's economic boom. Zhengzhou was a small county seat in the 1940s. It later became the capital of central China's Henan Province, helped by its location along the Beijing-Guangzhou railway line. Now it doubles as a transport hub.

XIA RUIXUE ZHENGZHOU "Today, the inland city of Zhengzhou is implementing a three-dimensional traffic system and modern logistics system. The city hopes to become a link to all regions in China and bring more cross-border trade to the area."

Zhengzhou plans to use its strategic location to build a stronger regional logistics center. To accomplish this, the city launched its Zhengzhou-Germany cargo train service in 2013. Over the past five years, more than 755-thousand tons of cargo worth nearly 8 billion U.S. dollars have been transported via the route.

SHI FENGHUA, VICE MANAGER ZHENGZHOU RAILWAY CONTAINER TERMINAL "In 2013, the trains made one round trip every week. Now they make eight. Our plan for the future is to expand our business to countries like Belgium and Vietnam."

In 2014, a new 'Air Silk Road' in Zhengzhou unlocked more potential trade with Europe. Now, cargo planes transport food, electronics and more from Zhengzhou to Luxembourg on one of 16 weekly flights.

KOEN TEIRLINCK, CAPTAIN CARGOLUX AIRLINE "This is the 747-400. It can weigh up to about 400 tons, and take up to 120 tons of cargo."

The products then enter local markets at favorable prices. They are also delivered to other provinces based on Zhengzhou's logistical advantages. With Henan's agricultural roots and advantageous location, its role in China's opening up is expected to only get better. Xia Ruixue, CGTN, Zhengzhou, Henan province.