Logistics serve as the connective tissue between production and consumption, domestic trade and international commerce, forming the backbone of the real economyThe strategic direction for reducing logistics costs has been established, and one of the key components is the development of a new model for the coordinated growth of modern logistics and productivity distributionThis layout optimization is pivotal as it influences not only the efficiency of resource allocation but also the functionality of the entire societal production system.
As China navigates through a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation amidst rapidly evolving global political and economic landscapes, optimizing productivity distribution requires a broader view than just traditional foundational sectors like energy, metallurgy, chemicals, and machineryHigh-tech industries essential for national security and sectors ensuring livelihood safety have also entered the equation
Modern technologies such as mobile internet, industrial IoT, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics are increasingly applied within conventional manufacturing, enhancing industry layout flexibility, complexity, and intensityHowever, these advancements simultaneously impose higher demands for shortening supply chain distances and constructing modern logistics systems.
The journey of logistics development in China is not without its pressing challenges, which significantly impact the effective operation of the logistics sector and overall economic costs.
On one hand, the persistent high institutional costs remain a formidable hindranceVarious logistics activities are often hampered by incomplete regulatory frameworks and inefficient coordination mechanisms, resulting in excessive human, physical, and temporal expenditures on approvals, adherence to industry standards, and compliance with regulatory requirements
This reality burdens logistics operations, constricting profit margins for businesses while diminishing the logistics industry’s potential to catalyze economic progress.
On the other hand, the relative lag in logistics standardization is also an issue that cannot be overlookedKey logistics phases like packaging, loading, transportation, and warehousing lack a unified and standardized approachPractices tend to vary across businesses and regions, leading to inefficienciesFor instance, differences in packaging sizes can result in suboptimal space utilization during transport, while incompatibility among unloading equipment can hamper efficiencyThis lag in standardization not only reduces overall logistics operation efficacy but also fosters issues like poor connectivity and redundant work, consequently escalating costs further.
Moreover, the insufficient integration of logistics resources is a critical problem
The logistics industry encompasses various essential resources, including warehousing facilities, transport vehicles, logistics information platforms, and skilled personnelHowever, these aspects currently exhibit a fragmented and chaotic condition in the market, lacking effective integration and optimizationThe absence of deep collaboration and synergy among the logistics firms results in severe information siloing, thwarting resource sharing and efficient utilization, subsequently hindering logistics efficiency while inevitably raising costs.
In response to these challenges, a series of targeted measures are proposed to establish a scientifically sound, highly collaborative modern logistics operation network characterized by a “channel + hub + network” frameworkFirst, strengthening the efficient connectivity of various transportation methods at key nodes is crucial
Whether it’s road, rail, waterway, or air transport, each presents unique advantages and suitable scenariosBy creating seamless transfer facilities, optimizing intermodal processes, and building information-sharing mechanisms at significant logistics nodes—such as transportation hubs and large logistics parks—swift transitions of goods among different transport methods can be achieved, reducing transfer wait times, enhancing transport efficiency, and minimizing additional costs arising from disjointed connections.
Additionally, supporting cities to explore a “cluster + logistics hub” collaborative development model is a key measureIndustrial clusters often bring together numerous enterprises from related sectors, generating substantial logistics demand, while logistics hubs possess robust capability for resource allocation and transport
When these two collaborate, businesses within the industrial cluster gain access to more convenient, efficient, and cost-effective logistics servicesSimultaneously, logistics hubs can utilize resources generated by these clusters to achieve effective operation and resource utilization, creating a mutually reinforcing, symbiotic development environment that stimulates regional economic growth.
Furthermore, leveraging existing national logistics hubs to create several national logistics hub economic zones bears profound strategic significanceBy expanding the economic functions of these logistics hubs and introducing supporting industries, multi-functional economic zones integrating logistics, trade, manufacturing, and financial services can be developedThis approach capitalizes on the radiating influence of logistics hubs, transforming logistical advantages into industrial development advantages, thereby fostering a symbiosis of logistics and industry that propels high-quality regional economic growth.
The ultimate goal of these measures is to maximize economic output while minimizing logistics expenses, thereby enhancing the logistics sector's contribution to the national economy.
China's vast land area leads to a geographically uneven distribution of industries and resources
Different regions showcase diverse industrial characteristics, developmental levels, and logistics demand profilesTherefore, translating these measures into actionable, detailed plans necessitates a thorough understanding of local conditions and tailored approaches, ensuring simultaneous consideration of industrial foundations and logistics demand potentials.
On a nationwide scale, the six batches of established 151 national logistics hubs do possess a certain developmental foundation, achieving progress in logistics network layout, facility construction, and resource aggregationHowever, the transition from mere logistics hub development to fostering hub economies presents an urgent practical challenge that demands solutions in the immediate and foreseeable future.
Hub economies have unique connotations and developmental demands, relying on urban entities as their vessels
Geographical positioning, infrastructure, industrial environments, and supportive policies significantly influence hub economic growthAs essential infrastructure, logistics hubs must not only facilitate comprehensive logistics transport, warehousing, and sorting functions, but must also exploit aggregation advantages, drawing diverse resource elements towards themSupply chain services are central to facilitating the movement, integration, and value creation of these resourcesEfficient supply chain management optimizes resource allocation, enhances logistics efficiency, and lowers operational costs, ultimately fostering economies of scale.
To advance hub economies, it is essential first to refine logistics networks, as this forms a foundational stepThis entails optimizing the physical layouts and operational processes inside logistics hubs and extending connections to surrounding areas and other vital economic nodes, enhancing the coverage and accessibility of the logistics network
Additionally, there is a need to augment logistics hubs' capabilities to attract and concentrate various resource elementsThis involves enticing more logistics firms, trade enterprises, manufacturing companies, and financial institutions through superior logistics offerings, favorable policies, and a conducive industry collaboration atmosphere, ensuring that resources flowing through the hubs can be retained and transformed into substantial economic drivers for the local economy, thereby boosting employment, increasing tax revenues, and facilitating industrial upgradation.
Furthermore, the coordinated renovation and planning of the surrounding areas of hubs should not be neglectedLinking the growth models of logistics hubs with surrounding infrastructure updates, such as rejuvenating old factories and repurposing idle lands, is essential in creating conducive environments for physical industries
This harmonious integration of logistics, manufacturing, and trade sectors is pivotalSuch industry convergence can break traditional boundaries, enabling resource sharing and complementary advantages to create new business formats and models, enhancing overall industrial value and competitiveness, thereby injecting fresh vitality into sustained hub economic development.
Finally, relevant cities should actively pursue innovative management systems and mechanisms, optimizing policy environmentsBreaking down inter-departmental silos to establish cross-departmental collaborative governance can enhance decision-making and implementation efficiency, providing robust governmental support for hub economic progressionAdditionally, formulating targeted incentive policies—across land use, tax relief, and financial backing—will attract high-quality resources to cluster in hub economic zones, fostering tighter industry linkages, enhanced radiating capabilities, and distinct developmental characters, positioning them as vital engines propelling regional economic advancement towards high-quality outcomes.