The logistics sector serves as the vital circulatory system of an economy,functioning as the connective tissue between production and consumption,as well as between domestic and international trade.In line with the decisions made during the 2023 Central Economic Work Conference,the push towards reducing logistics costs across the nation was voiced.And with the 2024 Central Economic Work Conference,there was a reaffirmation of the commitment to this initiative with the proposed "Special Action to Reduce Logistics Costs Across Society." These undertakings aim to enhance core competitiveness within various industries and boost operational efficiency across the economy.

Ultimately,the level of logistics cost in society is a direct indicator of the quality of economic development and overall competitive strength.By working towards lowering logistics costs,the smooth movement of goods and services through different channels can be achieved,thus improving resource allocation efficiency,and facilitating seamless economic circulation.Additionally,it can break down barriers between industries,promote transformation and collaboration within sectors,and establish a robust industry chain supply system.This strategic move will also enhance product competitiveness,allowing businesses to participate more effectively in global economic partnerships,thereby improving their standing within international supply chains.

It's essential to clarify that social logistics costs are distinct from direct logistics costs.They encompass all expense outlays related to logistics activities within a nation’s economy.Typically,countries assess these costs by analyzing the ratio of total social logistics costs to gross domestic product (GDP).The primary determinants of this ratio are the economic structure and overall economic development level.Therefore,effectively reducing social logistics costs is not merely about slashing prices or squeezing profits.Rather,it entails focusing on quality upgrades,enhancing efficiency,optimizing structures,leading with innovation,addressing inefficiencies,and refining regulations—ultimately creating space for lowering costs.Recognizing this,reducing logistics costs should emerge as a fundamental commitment to advancing high-quality development within modern logistics,including unwavering support toward technological advancements and new business models.

The creation of a modern logistics system stands as a fundamental goal for reducing logistics costs effectively.China has acknowledged the significance of developing its logistics sector in recent years,with constant improvements observed in its infrastructure.Logistics corridors,hubs,and last-mile delivery networks are being methodically upgraded; notable initiatives include the construction of coastal and border logistics corridors and the Western Land-Sea New Channel,crucial infrastructure projects that support the logistics framework.Currently,over 90% of rail freight services operate at key coastal ports and major ports along the Yangtze River.To date,there are 152 cities designated as national logistics hubs,with significant investments in logistics facilities and services including 229 national logistics hubs being established and 86 cold chain logistics bases,alongside 337,800 village-level multi-functional logistics service stations that offer versatile support.The infusion of technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence is accelerating the modernization and green innovation in logistics,consistently driving down costs.Recent statistics indicate that in 2024,the ratio of total social logistics costs to GDP in China stands at 14.1%,representing a decrease of 0.3 percentage points from the previous year and marking the lowest level since formal statistics began in 2006.

Establishing a modern logistics system is undeniably intricate; it demands an accurate grasp of developmental trends as well as alignment with the requirements of constructing modern logistics operational systems.This encompasses the enhancement of logistics service systems and improving the commercial and trading circulation systems.Such an approach will effectively lower social logistics costs while nurturing a high-quality evolution of modern logistics.

To achieve this,there are several strategic approaches.First,there should be a reinforced emphasis on updating logistical infrastructure to forge a robust operational framework,aptly defined as ‘channels + hubs + networks.’ This entails leveraging the national comprehensive transportation network's planning to form significant domestic logistics pathways,including the establishment of 'four horizontal and five vertical' logistics corridors across the nation.There is also a need to adapt to high-quality initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and to deepen international cooperation through the establishment of connected logistics corridors with neighboring countries.Reinforcing the construction of national logistics hubs through strategic optimization of resources and functions will be crucial.Moreover,it becomes imperative to enhance liquidity across logistical infrastructures and promote information sharing to support logistics parks,distribution centers,and specialized markets,thereby creating a coherent logistics hub network,facilitating both domestic and foreign exchanges fluidly.

Secondly,improving the modern logistics service framework from the standpoint of serving the real economy and ensuring seamless economic circulation is vital.This involves hastening the digital transformation of logistics,upgrading smart logistics capabilities,and nurturing innovative service models tailored to meet the needs of the industry.The ultimate goal is to cultivate an efficient and intensive modern logistics service framework that links production with consumption,integrating modern logistics with agriculture,advanced manufacturing,and contemporary service sectors at higher levels of synergy.A reliance on new infrastructure,such as data centers,is necessary to heighten support for efficient movement of economic elements,thereby promoting cross-regional resource integration and cohesive industrial value creation.

Thirdly,to better serve the needs of urban and rural residents,the modern commercial trading system must be refined.This requires adapting to the expanding domestic demand and the trends of consumption upgrades,while emphasizing the logistics sector's critical role within modern circulation systems.Upgrading urban-rural commercial logistics infrastructure,refining tiered delivery systems,and ensuring seamless interlocking of mainline,branch logistics,and last-mile deliveries are key steps to reducing circulation costs and improving service quality.Bridging the logistical capacities and services gaps between regions and urban-rural divides is essential,promoting the construction of cold chain logistics systems and emergency logistics frameworks.Encouraging partnerships between logistics and commerce enterprises will facilitate innovative convergence of online and offline trading,paving the way for a digital and smart,open modern commercial trading system that bolsters favorable supply and quality service for consumer goods.