China
By Maria Kalamatas | The Logistic News
June 9, 2025 – Section: Business
A high-level panel held this week in China brought together three major industry players—GLP, CITIC, and Savills—to dissect the fast-evolving landscape of industrial logistics in the world’s second-largest economy. The discussion revealed a dynamic shift in investment strategies as demand grows for smarter, greener, and more efficient infrastructure.
The central takeaway? China’s logistics sector is no longer just about moving goods—it’s about modernizing how those goods are stored, handled, and delivered.
E-commerce continues to be a major driver. With China’s digital economy expected to reach $18 trillion by 2027, the need for advanced warehousing and urban fulfillment centers is spiking. Developers are responding by prioritizing locations near consumption hubs, investing in flexible spaces that cater to last-mile delivery and same-day shipping.
“We’re seeing growing interest from institutional investors in automated logistics parks that integrate robotics and AI-powered inventory management,” said Li Zheng, Managing Director at GLP China. “The traditional warehouse is being replaced by intelligent, data-driven ecosystems.”
Green infrastructure also took center stage. All three panelists noted that sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a hard requirement. With China’s 2060 carbon neutrality goal in view, logistics developers are retrofitting old facilities with solar panels, EV charging points, and energy-efficient insulation. New builds are being rated to national green standards, with funding often tied to ESG performance.
“There’s a clear premium on assets that are future-proof,” commented Iris Wu, Head of Industrial at Savills Greater China. “Green certification is now a competitive advantage, not a niche.”
Meanwhile, CITIC Group highlighted the role of government policy in shaping this new investment wave. Incentives for smart logistics zones, tax breaks for green buildings, and regulatory clarity around automation technologies are accelerating capital inflows.
As 2025 unfolds, China’s logistics industry finds itself at a crossroads—balancing growth with responsibility, and speed with intelligence. The consensus among panelists was unmistakable: the future of logistics in China will be greener, smarter, and far more strategic than ever before.
✎ Maria Kalamatas
Senior Correspondent – Business & Infrastructure
The Logistic News
