A Leading Chinese Province Launches a Direct Shipping Route to Africa, Bolstering Economic and Trade Cooperation.

The Zhejiang province, a key foreign trade hub in eastern China, has marked a significant economic milestone with the launch of its first direct shipping route from Jiaxing Port to Africa. A cargo ship registered in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region set sail last Friday, carrying a vital cargo directly to the ports of Zanzibar in Tanzania and Beira in Mozambique.

This inaugural voyage represents a strategic achievement for Zhejiang, as Jiaxing Port becomes the second port in the province, after Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, to establish a direct shipping line to the African continent. This development comes amid the continuous and steady growth of trade relations between China and Africa, which have been expanding significantly year after year.

The ship's maiden journey carried approximately 200 standard containers (TEUs), equivalent to about 1,000 cubic meters of equipment. The cargo primarily consists of materials designated for infrastructure projects and improving living standards in African countries, reflecting China's commitment to supporting development on the continent. The vessel is expected to reach Zanzibar Port in about 25 days, which signifies a substantial improvement in logistical efficiency.

This new maritime route is anticipated to play a crucial role in strengthening economic and trade exchanges between the Zhejiang province and African countries participating in the "Belt and Road" Initiative. This development will foster cooperation in vital areas such as infrastructure development, industrial collaboration, and enhancing people's well-being. According to local maritime authorities, the service will initially operate once a month, with plans to increase its frequency in the future, which will lead to a significant reduction in logistics costs and facilitate the movement of goods between the Yangtze River Delta and Africa.