The "Sino–Dutch Green Logistics Corridor Communication Session" was successfully held at YANTIAN. The forum was jointly organised by the Infrastructure and Water Management Department of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in China, the Holland International Distribution Council, the Netherlands Business Support Office Shenzhen, and YANTIAN.

Centred on green logistics, cross-border supply chain collaboration, and business matchmaking between China and the Netherlands, the event convened nearly 100 representatives from government agencies of the Netherlands, logistics associations, shipping lines, foreign trade and logistics enterprises, and companies engaged in supply chain management and cross-border services. The event sought to advance the development of efficient, green, and sustainable logistics corridors.

YANTIAN and the Port of Rotterdam have long maintained a close strategic partnership, with over 10 weekly services linking the two ports and jointly serving as a critical gateway for China–Europe trade. The event provided a valuable platform for enterprises from both sides to connect, exchange best practices, and share innovative solutions, injecting fresh momentum into the Sino-Dutch Green Logistics Corridor and paving the way for deeper, mutually beneficial cooperation.

China–Netherlands and China–EU economic ties continue to strengthen, creating expansive opportunities for collaboration. In 2025, bilateral trade between China and the Netherlands reached approximately US$140 billion, with China's imports from the Netherlands growing by 8.8%—outpacing export growth and underscoring strong potential in the import sector. Meanwhile, total China–EU trade amounted to US$828 billion, with the EU remaining China's largest source of consumer cargo imports, providing a robust foundation for enhanced logistics and supply chain cooperation.

Guest remarks: Building consensus and shaping the future of cooperation

Mr. Eric Spaans, Counsellor for Infrastructure and Water Management, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Beijing, remarked that in recent years, China and the Netherlands have steadily deepened collaboration in green and sustainable shipping, container applications, and smart logistics, jointly advancing the development of China–Europe green logistics corridors. He emphasized that the event serves as a significant platform for integrating industrial resources and exploring innovative models of bilateral cooperation.

Ms. Bo Melchers, Customs Counsellor to China, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, noted that the Netherlands plays a critical role as a global logistics hub. She highlighted that the visit with the Beijing delegation had been highly fruitful, and recalled the Netherlands' four-century-long tradition of trade and commerce. She warmly invited partners from both countries to further strengthen dialogue and engagement, expressing confidence that expertise from the both sides can deliver high-quality solutions in smart and green logistics.

In his keynote address, Mr. Lawrence Shum, Managing Director of Hutchison Ports YANTIAN, stated that Shenzhen's total foreign trade reached CNY4.55 trillion in 2025, ranking first nationwide, with exports leading China for 33 consecutive years. Notably, exports of the "new three" products via YANTIAN grew by nearly 30%, outperforming the national average. He further highlighted that Shenzhen will host the 2026 APEC meetings, whose theme of "Openness, Innovation, and Cooperation" closely aligns with YANTIAN's strategic vision, presenting new opportunities for the port to strengthen global connectivity. As China enters the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan, the strategy of expanding imports is expected to unlock fresh opportunities for consumer cargo trade, contributing to more balanced and sustainable economic development.

Business matchmaking: Advancing green logistics and expanding cooperation networks

At the event, a number of Dutch and Chinese companies presented their core businesses, spanning end-to-end logistics services, cross-border platforms, and import-export operations. Their presentations highlighted respective strengths in green transportation, global networks, and integrated supply chain solutions, demonstrating the complementary advantages of both sides.

Dutch enterprises included:
Holland International Distribution Council, Fritom Group, ViaEurope B.V., Alblas, MOOV Logistics, Frank & the Backs, De Rijke Group, and Ogilvy

Chinese enterprises included:
YANTIAN, DIDADI, Longi, Quanta Freight, Scan Global Logistics, GFS Cold, Mainfreight, China Intertrans, and Shenzhen Port Logistics Group

Building a green corridor together: Advancing sustainable cooperation

The Netherlands stands as a strategic gateway to Europe and a global leader in logistics innovation, with advanced capabilities in green ports, multimodal transport, and smart logistics. YANTIAN, a vital node in global industrial and supply chains, is equally committed to developing green port operations and low-carbon supply chains. In recent years, both sides have deepened cooperation in green shipping, sustainable infrastructure, and digital logistics, working together to build an efficient, resilient, and environmentally sustainable China–Europe logistics corridor.

This event served as a practical platform for enterprises from both sides to connect and collaborate, further strengthening China–Netherlands partnership in green logistics and cross-border supply chains, and injecting renewed momentum into their coordinated development within the global logistics network.

YANTIAN will continue to expand its global shipping network, strengthening supply chain connectivity worldwide and building a higher-standard international shipping hub. The port will contribute to Shenzhen's drive to become a logistics centre with global influence, help consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's position as a leading international maritime hub, and jointly advance the Greater Bay Area's global competitiveness—all while supporting China's dual carbon goals and promoting the high-quality development of international trade.