DHL Global Forwarding has signed a memorandum of understanding with Chinese government agency Chengdu Gateway Logistics Office to develop the China-Europe logistics corridor under China’s Belt and Road initiative.

Under the agreement, DHL and the Chengdu administration will work together to improve the city’s logistics infrastructure in terms of security, customs efficiency and freight capacity.

“As one of the best-performing cities in China when it comes to economic growth, industrial strength, and overseas investment, Chengdu has immense potential to add value to the former South Silk Road’s revival,” said Steve Huang, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding China [seated, left in photo]. “In the next few months, we will also be working on bringing rail service from Chengdu to Turkey, furthering our rail development in the city since we first opened our West Corridor rail solution from Chengdu to Lodz three years ago. We look forward to making the most of the opportunities for growth and development in Chengdu.”

DHL will also gain greater access to Chengdu’s exporters in the city’s free trade zones such as the High Tech Zone and the Tianfu New Area, according to the company.