THE first phase of the city’s bonded harbor zone has made great achievements this year. During the first four months of this year, cargo throughput has reached 32.74 million tons, increasing by 33.67 percent compared with the same period last year. Among these, import throughput was 14.4 million tons, increasing by 45.39 percent, while export throughput was 18.34 million tons, increasing by 25.72 percent.

    Clearance procedures had also been simplified with the new information-based system. The move has also reduced logistics costs. In the past, it took about two to three days for clearance, but now all the procedures can be done in only one day and the logistic costs are reduced to about 200 yuan per container from 600 to 800 yuan, which has greatly reduced the companies’ financial burden.

    The international transshipment business has also carried out smoothly in Qingdao. The preferential policy for transshipment fees has also attracted many shipping companies. It is expected more than 1.8 million containers will be transferred through Qingdao harbor this year, increasing by at least 50 percent.

    Construction on the second phase of the bonded zone has all gone smoothly and the infrastructure projects are expected to be approved at the end of this month. (Wang Yuanyuan, Cheng Guang)