The first shipment of exhibits for the upcoming 8th China International Import Expo, originating from Chancay Port in Peru, arrived at Shanghai's Yangshan Deep-Water Port on Oct 15.

Transported aboard the COSCO Prince Rupert vessel, this shipment marks the first CIIE goods to arrive via the direct Chancay-Shanghai sea route, a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative.

The shipment mainly comprises South American handicrafts, including pottery and alpaca wool products, many of which will be unveiled for the first time at the CIIE.

"The exhibits were loaded at the Chancay Port on Sept 21, and it took only 23 days to arrive in Shanghai via direct route, cutting at least 10 days of shipping time," said Zhou Yiwen, head of the COSCO Shipping Lines' CIIE logistics operation team. "We provide a customized 'end-to-end' transportation plan using a direct sea route, which reduces transit stops along the way."

The new direct route is expected to provide a more convenient logistics channel for trade between China and Peru.

The Shanghai border inspection authorities are set to launch a "green channel" to speed up the customs clearance process for CIIE exhibits, ensuring they can be safely and promptly displayed at the expo.

Operational for nearly a year, Chancay Port has become a vital hub for trade between the two countries. Chinese brands, including home appliances, automobiles, and machinery, are exported to South America through the port, while Peruvian specialty agricultural products like blueberries and avocados enter the Chinese and broader Asian markets.

Since opening, the Shanghai border inspection authorities have processed more than 240 international vessels traveling between Chancay and Shanghai.

To support the CIIE, Shanghai's Yangshan and Waigaoqiao ports are entering a peak period for receiving sea-freighted exhibits, which is expected to last until early November.

Officials at Yangshan Border Inspection Station have been coordinating with carriers and shipping agencies to complete pre-entry inspection procedures for CIIE-bound vessels while en route, ensuring prompt unloading upon arrival. Priority will also be given to border inspection for vessels and crew carrying CIIE exhibits, streamlining the process.

During the expo, the Shanghai General Station of Immigration Inspection will introduce eight facilitation measures, including dedicated border inspection channels, specialized 12367 service platform lines, and on-site immigration management services, to further support the event.

Sources: Jiefang Daily, Shanghai Observer, Yicai