In the decade since China proposed building a China-Latin America community with a shared future, Henan province has emerged as a pivotal logistics center, enhancing trade connections between China and Latin America.
Strategic Air Connectivity
Central to this development is the Zhengzhou-Luxembourg Air Silk Road. By the end of October, Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport operated 24 international cargo airlines and 38 international cargo routes, facilitating efficient movement of goods between China and Latin America.
Diversified Imports
The enhanced air freight capabilities have diversified Henan’s imports. Seasonal favorites like fresh Chilean cherries are now readily available, alongside Ecuadorian white shrimp, Chilean wine, and Mexican beer. These products arrive in Henan before being distributed across China, highlighting the province’s role in the global supply chain.
Local Enterprises Expanding Globally
Henan-based companies are increasingly establishing a presence in Latin American markets. Notably, Zhengzhou Yutong Bus recently delivered 274 buses to Mexico, marking the largest batch of hybrid bus orders imported by the nation. Since 2005, Yutong has achieved significant sales in over 20 Latin American countries, including Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Jamaica, with cumulative sales exceeding 28,000 units.
Other Henan enterprises, such as CITIC Heavy Industries and YTO Group, maintain close collaborations with Latin American countries in sectors like mining equipment and agricultural machinery.
Trade Growth
Reflecting these efforts, Henan’s imports and exports to Latin America reached 62.1 billion yuan ($8.6 billion) in the first three quarters of this year, marking an 8.6 percent year-on-year increase.
Henan’s strategic initiatives and robust logistics infrastructure have solidified its position as a key player in facilitating trade between China and Latin America, fostering economic growth and international collaboration.
