One year after China's logistics sector was fully opened to foreign investors, 2006 saw ambitious development plans and drastic changes in the market. New investment streams and a more diversified mix of players are expected to develop over the next five years.　

From ports and airports to railways, new plans were drafted and investment projects were ready to take off. Meanwhile, the lucrative Chinese market attracted foreign companies looking for opportunities. United Airlines, for instance, was recently awarded a new direct flight route from Beijing to Washington D.C. amid fierce competition.

Also the world's leading commercial aircraft maker, Airbus SAS, agreed to build its single-aisle aircraft assembly line in Tianjin last year. The plant is expected to help boost Airbus's orders in the world's fastest-growing air travel market and help it compete with rival Boeing Co.

Meanwhile, industry trailblazers like Shanghai-based Spring Airlines pioneered affordable airfares, managing to turn a profit in a highly competitive market. This has benefited both the industry and consumers.

CHINA'S State Council approved a blueprint to guide the development of domestic ports in August, calling for the establishment of five port groups to streamline freight.

The groups with varied business focus include the Bohai Sea ports, the Yangtze River Delta ports, Southeast coastal ports, the Pearl River Delta ports and Southwest coastal ports. Transport of coal, crude oil, iron ore and containers will be focused on the ports around the Bohai Sea, the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta.

The plan also clarified eight water transport systems for coal, petroleum, iron ore, containers, food supplies, automobiles, roll-on and roll-off transport and passenger transport. The whole development plan will help optimize coastline resources among the ports, raise efficiency and avoid competition and duplication among the ports.

Source:未知