CHONGQING, China, Feb. 10, 2026 — The International Exchange and Cooperation Coordination Mechanism for the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) officially commenced operations on February 10 in Chongqing. This initiative aims to enhance regional connectivity and foster high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road framework.
The mechanism was jointly established by the Foreign Affairs Office and the Port and Logistics Office of the Chongqing Municipal Government. Representatives from embassies and consulates of countries along the ILSTC, primarily ASEAN member states, participated in its launch. Its formation signifies a new phase of structured and regular international collaboration across the corridor.
Conceived as a cross-border communication platform, the mechanism will concentrate on policy alignment, knowledge sharing, and practical collaboration. Through this platform, Chongqing intends to further cultivate exchanges with ASEAN nations, contributing to the development of a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.
Participating parties agreed to create and regularly update an ILSTC international exchange and cooperation contact list to facilitate seamless communication. The mechanism will bolster information exchange by promptly disseminating and updating policies and regulations pertinent to trade, logistics, and investment. It will also champion key cooperative projects and share leading practices in the corridor’s development and operational management.
Furthermore, the mechanism will function as a platform for resolving issues. It will gather practical challenges encountered by trade and logistics enterprises in their cross-border activities and, through targeted one-on-one consultations with designated contact points, assist in overcoming logistical and trade bottlenecks.
As the originator and operational coordination hub of the ILSTC, Chongqing is intensifying its efforts to become a central hub for international exchanges in central and western China, as well as a pioneering zone for inland opening-up and collaboration. Hosting this mechanism further solidifies the city’s pivotal role in the corridor’s advancement.
Recent data indicates that the ILSTC now links 75 cities and 164 rail hubs throughout China, extending its reach to 584 ports in 127 countries and regions globally.
During the launch ceremony, attendees collectively unveiled the Chongqing Initiative on International Exchanges and Cooperation Along the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. This initiative advocates for expanded cooperation in commerce, logistics, culture, and related sectors, alongside promoting regional economic integration.
The initiative proposes optimizing the corridor’s service infrastructure, simplifying customs procedures, reducing trade expenses, and encouraging the adoption of AI and big data to boost operational efficiency and management. It also underscores the importance of coordinated development between corridor construction and environmental protection, thereby supporting sustainable economic, social, and environmental progress in the region.
Additionally, the initiative calls for strengthening people-to-people connections along the corridor by organizing diverse exchange activities, easing travel, and deepening mutual understanding, ultimately delivering tangible benefits to communities situated along the corridor.
An official from the Foreign Affairs Office of the Chongqing Municipal Government stated that the establishment of the mechanism and the release of the initiative signify a transition from purely physical connectivity towards aligning rules and fostering people-to-people exchanges. This demonstrates the commitment of China and ASEAN countries to mutual consultation, joint contributions, and shared development.
Source: The Foreign Affairs Office of the Chongqing Municipal Government
CONTACT: Contact person: Mr. Wang, Tel: 86-10-63074558
