GUANGZHOU is planning to develop itself into the shipping, air and logistics hub in Asia with international influence, said the city's vice mayor Zhang Ji.

Mr Zhang made the statement on a recent logistics industry forum held by Guangzhou's Development and Reform Commission, Economy and Trade Commission and Transportation Commission.

 He also said that Guangzhou will cement its status in south China and expand its network to cover the Asia Pacific region while avoiding functional overlapping with Hong Kong and Macau.

 According to the city's development plan, by 2016, it will finish building six urban distribution centres to realise its aim of half-hour delivery to all parts in the urban area. Long term, Guangzhou plans to set up 12 such facilities in Yuangang, Xintang, Wenchong, Shuangsha, Jiangjunshan, Lifeng, Shuangxi, Longxi, Hualong, Shilou, Hexing and Xianjiang.

 It will also accelerate the planning for another eight logistics parks and eight specialised facilities, including the four international logistics parks at the airports at Huangpu and Nansha, as well as the four regional logistics parks at Baiyun, Zengcheng, Huadu and Conghua.

(Source:shipping news)