A Shaanxi supply chain integration service platform, invested by the China Merchants Logistics Holding Co, broke ground at the Xi’an International Trade and Logistics Park on Dec 23.

Yang Mingrui, director of the park’s management committee, and representatives from the Merchants Logistics Co attended the groundbreaking ceremony.

The company, a subsidiary of the State-owned China Merchants Group, invested 460 million yuan ($66.23 million) in the project to promote logistics development in Xi’an. The platform covers an area of 170 mu (11.33 hectares) and will contain two warehouses and an auxiliary building. Once completed in 2018, the project is expected to boost the cross-border e-commerce industry in the region by strengthening its storage, distribution and delivery capacities.

Addressing the ceremony, Yang said that the project will contribute to the opening-up of the logistics park, improve the operation of China-Asia and China-Europe freight trains and upgrade the e-commerce sector in Xi’an. Yang also pledged to provide quality services to ensure the smooth construction of the platform.

Wang Jian, assistant to the general manager of the China Merchants Logistics, said the platform is an important step for the company to follow the Belt and Road Initiative. He added that the company will fully use the logistics advantages of the park to help reinforce Xi’an’s status as the starting point of the Silk Road Economic Belt.

Source: China daily.com