China has announced an ambitious five-year port-of-entry modernisation plan (2026–2030) aimed at building a smarter, greener, and more efficient border infrastructure to strengthen international trade and cross-border connectivity.
The plan, jointly released by the General Administration of Customs (GAC) and the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), forms part of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and is designed to enhance the country’s openness while supporting high-quality economic development and global cooperation.
Under the roadmap, China aims to make significant progress in modernising its ports of entry by 2030 through improved infrastructure, greater adoption of smart technologies, enhanced logistics efficiency, stronger governance, and upgraded security measures.
According to the joint statement, the initiative focuses on developing a more efficient port network that facilitates smoother cross-border trade while improving customs operations and international connectivity.
Speaking on the development, Zhang Baofeng, Deputy Head of the General Administration of Customs, described the initiative as the country’s blueprint for port development during the 2026–2030 period.
He stated that China will prioritize building ports that are safer, more efficient, smarter, greener, and governed under the rule of law, while accelerating the development of world-class modern ports capable of supporting expanding international trade.
The modernisation strategy also places emphasis on digital transformation, with wider deployment of intelligent technologies expected to improve customs clearance, cargo handling, and operational efficiency across China’s border gateways.
Beyond 2030, China has set an even broader objective of completing the basic modernisation of its ports of entry by 2035, creating an advanced logistics and customs ecosystem that supports national security, economic resilience, and high-quality development.
The initiative is expected to further strengthen China’s position as one of the world’s leading trading nations by improving supply chain efficiency and facilitating faster movement of goods across international markets.
