Fire dragon fruit imports speed through Gaolan Port

Zhuhai International Container Terminals (ZICT Gaolan) greatly facilitated fruit imports to China by quickly and efficiently inspecting 67,809 kg (150,000 lbs) of pitaya on Jan 31 using a "three-in-one" mode of customs clearance.

The shipment of pitaya (huolong guo, 火龍果, fire dragon fruit) arrived at Gaolan Port aboard the container liner Miyunhe from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. After it was unloaded, a new "three-in-one" procedure kicked in. Relevant parties, including quarantine inspectors, were present at the same time to avoid repeated movement of containers and further unpacking and removal of goods. This cut time and cost while preserving customs integrity.

Combined government and enterprise efforts created the international fruit logistics channel to supplement China's Belt & Road Initiative. At a Feb 1 working conference, the experience was reviewed by Gaolan Port's joint-inspection departments, Shenzhen Thaishun, and Zhuhai Port Holdings.

Port designated for fruit imports

Quality customers are being attracted to Gaolan Port by Shenzhen Thaishun based on preferential policies and favorable treatment via joint inspections. A major Thai fruit company, Thaishun agreed last October to bring its import-export trade supply chain, finance, international cargo logistics services, and e-commerce to the new base in the Gaolan Port Economic Zone.

Meanwhile, ZICT Gaolan provides professional handling and storage services thanks to the abundant resources of its parent company, Zhuhai Port Holdings. A joint venture with Hutchison Delta Ports, the enterprise provides cost-effective, convenient, and quality services through comprehensive multimodal land, sea, and rail networks.

During the planning phase, experts foresaw opportunities to contribute to the growth of fruit imports and exports, deep processing, top-tier distribution centers, warehousing and logistics systems, and e-commerce.

Now, Gaolan Port will further optimize its industrial structure by attracting more investors. Positive comprehensive and coordinated regional economic development is the vision for the future, said a government official.

Tons of fire dragon fruit [Photos by Zhang Zhou / Zhuhai Daily]