Belt and Road fast lanes open at Chinese major ports

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China's National Immigration Administration now allows people engaging in Belt and Road-related businesses to enter the country via fast lanes. Dubbed the "Belt and Road Lane," six land ports and 12 airports in China started to offer people a quick passage for business relevant to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) last week.

Land ports include those connecting China to Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Laos, and Russia, and the 12 major Chinese airports include Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The lane is said to provide quicker border access for people to crossover if they are working on important BRI projects or attending Belt and Road events.

"Based on the National Immigration Administration's overall arrangement, we have deployed Belt and Road Lanes at road and rail ports as well as in the China-Kazakhstan Horgos Frontier International Cooperation Center," said Shao Xiangdong, the chief of staff for Khorgos' Exit and Entry Inspection Station.

Khorgos sits at the Chinese border with Kazakhstan – an ancient market town on the Silk Road that has turned into an important link for China to connect it with the West. These fast lanes are believed not only to provide convenience for people to enter China but also to enhance trade and exchanges.

"The Belt and Road lane will help trading companies like us to increase speed and reduce costs. Hence, it helps to increase companies' competitiveness," said Wang Xinli, the general manager for Khorgos' Peter International Logistics.

Border control officials said as the BRI continues to expand and enhance regional ties, more and more people from Belt and Road countries will come to China, and vice versa. Easier border access points lay the foundation for future BRI cooperation.