The 6th Silk Road Maritime International Cooperation Forum kicked off in Xiamen, East China's Fujian Province, attracting over 600 dignitaries and representatives from the shipping, trade, finance, and technology sectors. Themed "Integrating Ports, Shipping, and Trading Services," the forum aims to enhance collaboration across the global transport and logistics industry by strengthening connections between upstream and downstream stakeholders in the industrial and value chains.
Key Initiatives and Releases at the Forum
Organized by the Silk Road Maritime Association (SRMA), the forum featured the launch of the 2024 Silk Road Maritime Blue Book and the Silk Road Maritime Ports, Shipping, and Trade Service Integration Initiative. These efforts aim to standardize services provided by the association and improve the efficiency of international trade and ocean shipping under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Additionally, SRMA announced 10 new SRMA-named sea shipment routes, bringing the total to 132 routes that connect 145 seaports across 46 countries and regions. The forum also saw the signing of 12 cooperation agreements with 13 enterprises and welcomed 13 new members to the association, further expanding its influence and network.
Advancing China’s Belt and Road Initiative Through Maritime Cooperation
As China’s first maritime logistics service platform focused on international shipment under the BRI, Silk Road Maritime has grown rapidly since its establishment six years ago. The platform now consists of more than 340 members and continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing China’s maritime connectivity with the world.
During the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in 2023, China introduced eight action plans to promote high-quality cooperation under the BRI. These plans included integrating ports, shipping, and trade services under the Silk Road Maritime platform. The initiative also aligns with China’s efforts to accelerate the construction of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and the Air Silk Road, both crucial to expanding the country’s global trade networks.
Strengthening International Trade Through Integrated Services
The forum’s sub-forums delved into specially designated topics, focusing on the integration of ports, shipping, and trading services. These discussions aimed to provide innovative trade solutions for the international transport industry and improve the overall efficiency of maritime logistics. By facilitating greater collaboration between key players in these sectors, the forum promotes a more seamless and interconnected global supply chain.
The Future of Silk Road Maritime: Innovation and Sustainability
Looking ahead, SRMA plans to continue its work in advancing integrated port, shipping, and trade services. The association is committed to exploring new, dynamic, and sustainable cooperation mechanisms that will further enhance the global maritime trade ecosystem. Through its innovative initiatives, Silk Road Maritime is set to play a key role in the future of international shipping and trade, supporting the development of a more open and integrated global economy.