The State Council has announced the launch of a cargo relay pilot at the Yangshan port in Shanghai, a step toward opening up the maritime industry in China, and the move was considered by foreign stakeholders an important policy breakthrough.

The announcement last Thursday said cargo relay will be allowed on a trial basis through December 31, 2024. During the period, foreign, Hong Kong and Macau flagged vessels will be allowed to carry out international cargo relay at Yangshan for containers originating from Dalian, Tianjin and Qingdao.

The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China lauded the significant policy breakthrough.