Three Hainan areas listed as national logistics hubs

Haikou, Sanya and the Yangpu Economic Development Zone in Hainan province were named national logistics hubs in a planning document issued on Dec 21 by the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Transport.

Approved by the State Council, the term "logistics hub" refers to logistics complexes and logistics activity organization centers that engage in the distribution, storage, allocation and transfer of cargo. National-level hubs are key parts of the logistics system and have a broader reach, stronger influence, superior service functions and higher operational efficiency.

Haikou was selected for its strength in commercial services. It will rely on commercial agglomeration areas, large-scale specialized markets and metropolitan consumer markets to serve international, domestic and regional commercial activities and satisfy urban consumption demands.

Sanya was chosen for its strategically-located airport and the Yangpu Economic Development Zone will rely on coastal and inland harbors to carry out cargo distribution, international transfers, trade, bonded supervision and some value-added services.

A total of 127 cities were selected to develop 212 national logistics hubs, including land ports (41), harbors (30), airports (23), production service areas (47), business service areas (55) and land border ports (16).