Private shipping enterprise development discussed in Zhoushan

An expert addresses a forum on the high-quality development of private Chinese shipping enterprises held in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, on May 31. [Photo/zj.zjol.com]

A forum focusing on the high-quality development of Chinese private shipping enterprises was held in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, on May 31.

Hosted by the municipal government of Zhoushan and the China Shipowners' Association, the forum was attended by more than 300 representatives from port authorities, transportation departments, shipping associations and maritime schools across the country. 

They shared their ideas on how private Chinese shipping enterprises can be strengthened in the new era. 

China's shipping industry has been developing rapidly in recent years, with more than 90 percent of its foreign trade being carried out through sea transport. 

China's international sea transport volume now accounts for one third of the global total, and the country has maintained the top spot globally in port cargo and container throughput for many years.

Currently, China operates around 300 ocean shipping companies, 2,000 coastal shipping companies and 4,000 inland water transport companies. Most of the latter two are privately owned.

To further develop, forum attendees agreed that Chinese private shipping companies should accelerate industrial transformation and upgrading, increase collaboration, and enhance market competitiveness.

They also suggested that the government should strengthen regulation and support for these companies in the form of policy or financing.

A cooperative agreement to push forward the development of river-sea intermodal transport was inked by the Zhejiang Shipowners' Association, China Shipowners' Association Yangtze River Branch, and the port authorities of Zhoushan, at the forum.

Zhejiang Shipowners' Association, China Shipowners' Association Yangtze River Branch, and the port authorities of Zhoushan sign an agreement to promote the development of river-sea intermodal transport. [Photo/zj.zjol.com]