Trucks and semi-trailers loaded with vehicles could be seen waiting to head to Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek, at the port of Torgart in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in early November, as trade from northwestern China continues to expand.
Exports of Chinese cars through the land ports of Kyzyls Kyrgyzstan Autonomous Prefecture have soared by about four times this year, reaching 35,000 units, the Port Authority said, adding that nearly 80% of them were new energy vehicles. Ta.
Li Wang, chairman of the commission, said, “Consumers value the cost performance of Chinese-made cars highly, so they are exported to Russia mainly through Central Asian countries.” “Most cars cost between 200,000 and 400,000 yuan ($27,800 to $55,700). We expect export volume to reach 40,000 units by the end of December.”
Opened in 1881, Torgart Port is one of two land ports between China and Kyrgyzstan, connecting the Naryn region in eastern Kyrgyzstan. It is 62 km from the capital Artux, 109 km from the China-Kyrgyzstan border, and only 620 km from Bishkek. Thanks to its location, it has been an important historical gateway for China to trade with Central Asia, West Asia, and European countries.
The port primarily handles exports of clothing, shoes, household goods, machinery, appliances, and household appliances, and imports sheep and cow hides, fruit, etc. For many years, import and export cargoes were approximately 500,000 tons per year. However, this year’s production reached 775,500 tons from January to October, an increase of 105% from the previous year.
“Trade surged this year, supported by China’s optimization of its COVID-19 response, as well as good policies related to the Belt and Road Initiative and policies promoting China’s opening up to the West,” Li said. ” he said. “We are entering a period of historic opportunity and development.”
The port is planning to build an automobile trade and industrial park, which will hold exhibitions, consignment sales, renovations, and function as a transit warehouse.
“We will open a car dealership at the port by the end of November to attract foreign customers to visit and purchase. This will further promote the export of general-purpose vehicles,” Lee added.
Kizilsu Kirgiz Xinrong Logistics Co has a 44,000 square meter warehouse at the port, 40 percent of which is occupied by vehicles.
“Currently, we export more than 2,000 vehicles to Kyrgyzstan every month, and our total revenue has increased by 40% compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic,” said General Manager Shokrat Abdukerim. he said.
“When cage trucks loaded with cars from other parts of China arrive at the port and enter our warehouse, customs officials inspect them immediately. The speed is fast and the service is very good.”
Ping Xiaojiang, general manager of Knife Used Car Trading Market (Torugart), said it takes about 10 days to pass through the port and reach the destination country. However, in the case of trains, it may take about a month.
“Faster logistics lead to faster payments,” he said. The company has exported about 3,000 cars through the port this year. He added that there are many logistics companies around the port to meet the transportation demand.
The Topa-Torgart port section of national highway G315, 1 km from the port, is under construction. When completed in 2025, the line will be expanded from two lanes to four, improving transportation efficiency.
Source: China Daily