Chongqing - On June 18, Brunei's frozen aquatic products reached Chongqing for the first time via the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC), opening a new era of connectivity between Brunei and China's Southwest market.

Brunei's frozen aquatic products have reached Chongqing via the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC). (Photo/New Land-sea Corridor Operation Co., Ltd.)

Two protocols signed last year made the shipment, comprising 13 tons of frozen black tiger shrimp and lobster, possible. These agreements, between Yu Jianhua, Director of China's General Administration of Customs, and Abdul Manaf bin Metussin, Brunei's Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, intend to enhance Brunei's aquatic product exports to China. They also include the addition of 134 new species to the approved list, expanding the total to 176 species.

A relevant person in charge of the New Land-sea Corridor Operation Co., Ltd. highlighted the dual significance of this import. "This marks the first instance of importing frozen aquatic products through Chongqing Railway Port since its inception, as well as the first entry of Brunei's frozen aquatic products into China's inland market," said the person.

According to a Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park spokesperson, Manaf visited the Shapingba District last May as part of the ILSTC cooperation. During the visit, he and his delegation witnessed the opening of the Lianfeng (Brunei-Chongqing) Trade Service Center within the logistics hub, signifying a significant milestone in the partnership between Brunei and Chongqing.

Brunei's Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Manaf, led a delegation to the Shapingba District, Chongqing. (Photo/Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park)

The import success was a result of collaboration among several parties. Pinzhen Fresh Life, a global O2O fresh food industry chain platform, played a key role in product exploration and market development. They offer comprehensive services from multi-temperature warehousing to cold chain logistics and processing. A Pinzhen Fresh Life representative mentioned that these high-quality aquatic products are being offered at nearly 30% below market rate.

The Chongqing Pan-European Railway Port Management Co., Ltd. provided a suite of services, including cargo organization, logistics monitoring, and financial backing, to support the logistics and operational aspects and ensure a seamless supply chain operation.

The New Land-sea Corridor Operation Co., Ltd. ensured smooth logistics from ship to port, using innovative highway transit modes under cold chain supervision. Chongqing Customs District played a key role in quickly verifying import documents and expediting the inspection and release of the goods within four hours.

Officials of Chongqing Customs District have inspected lobsters from Brunei. (Photo/Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park)

"The arrival of Brunei's aquatic products through the ILSTC is a testament to the effective multimodal transport solutions we offer, providing our clients with more options for customs clearance and transportation," said the relevant person in charge of the New Land-sea Corridor Operation Co., Ltd.