On December 13, the 14th Five-Year Plan for Cold Chain Logistics Development was officially released, marking the first national five-year plan dedicated to cold chain logistics in China. This plan represents a significant step forward in enhancing cold chain infrastructure and service capabilities, ensuring food safety, and promoting high-quality economic growth.
Establishing a National Cold Chain Backbone Network
The plan outlines the construction of eight major national cold chain logistics corridors, known as the “Four Horizontals and Four Verticals”, connecting key agricultural production areas with 19 urban clusters. This network will create an efficient, nationwide cold chain logistics system, ensuring the fast and safe transportation of perishable goods across the country.
Additionally, 100 national cold chain logistics hubs will be established in major agricultural production zones, key distribution areas, and large consumer markets. These hubs will work in tandem with regional cold chain distribution centers to improve the overall service capacity, enabling end-to-end cold chain delivery from farms to consumers’ tables.
Advancing Domestic and International Integration
Cold chain logistics is not only vital for domestic supply chains but also plays a crucial role in international trade. The plan focuses on building dual cold chain systems for domestic distribution and international imports and exports. By enhancing cooperation with Belt and Road Initiative countries and other trade partners, China aims to develop a globally integrated cold chain logistics network. This will boost the international competitiveness of Chinese cold chain enterprises.
Upgrading Infrastructure and Technology
To meet its goals, the plan emphasizes upgrading cold chain infrastructure and technology. Key initiatives include developing advanced cold storage facilities, refrigerated transport, and digital management systems. The integration of technologies such as IoT, big data, and AI will enable real-time temperature monitoring and traceability throughout the logistics process, improving efficiency and ensuring food safety.
Supporting Rural Revitalization and Consumption Upgrade
Cold chain logistics will play a vital role in rural revitalization by enabling faster and more reliable distribution of agricultural products, reducing waste, and increasing farmers’ incomes. It will also help promote the branding of agricultural products, enhancing their competitiveness in domestic and international markets.
For consumers, the improved cold chain network will ensure quicker access to high-quality fresh produce and specialty foods, meeting the growing demand for premium perishable goods. This aligns with China’s goal of optimizing consumption patterns and driving domestic demand.
Moving Towards High-Quality Development
The release of the 14th Five-Year Plan for Cold Chain Logistics sets the strategic direction for the industry over the next five years. By building a high-efficiency and secure cold chain logistics system, China aims to significantly improve the efficiency and safety of food distribution, contributing to high-quality economic and social development. As the plan is implemented, the cold chain logistics industry will seize new growth opportunities, supporting the construction of a modern logistics system and ensuring food security for the nation.
Post time: Nov-12-2024