Leading industry associations in China convened in Beijing on March 11, 2016, to launch the GCEL China G20 Nations Case Study as the first step to deploy the Digital Economy Platform toward achieving greater trade efficiency and reduce trade costs.
Led by the executive director of the City Logistics Research Centre of China, the assessment team members included the National Development and Reform Commission, the Institute of Comprehensive Transportation Development Strategy Research, the China Supply Chain Financial League, the Express Branch of China Communications and Transportation Association, the Beijing Jiaotong University, and the School of Traffic and Transport.
According to the Nielsen Company’s China Logistics Industry Outlook, China’s logistics expenditures have doubled in the past five years, rising from USD 900 billion in 2009 to approximately USD 1.8 trillion in 2014. This increase has been driven by greater domestic consumption, expanding global exports, and the growth of e-commerce, requiring more efficient logistics throughout its economy.
As of 2014, China was ranked 28th in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index. Its logistics costs represent 18% of GDP, the average logistics spending in the rest of Asia is 12.8 percent. In recognition of its position as the world’s leading manufacturer, China’s industries are committed to adopting new digital tools to maintain their global competitiveness in trade.