The 134.2-kilometer Pinglu Canal officially opened to navigation, establishing the most direct inland waterway linking inland southwest China to the sea and ASEAN markets.

Engineering milestones were highlighted alongside new direct sea-river shipping routes connecting Nanning to Vietnam’s Can Tho Port and domestic hubs.

By bypassing longer traditional routes, the canal cuts inland water transit by over 560 kilometers and is projected to lower overall logistics costs by 18 to 30 percent. Regional diplomats and business leaders praised the canal as a vital project strengthening supply chains and boosting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

Source: People’s Daily