补上“最后的短板”，中部大省猛拼水运

Core Insights - The article discusses the strategic development of inland waterway transportation in Henan Province, aiming to enhance its economic advantages and integrate into national logistics networks [2][20] - Henan is focusing on transforming from an "economic corridor" to a "corridor economy" by 2030, with plans to establish a modern inland shipping system [2][12] Investment and Development - In 2024, national fixed asset investment in road and waterway transportation is projected to reach 27,982 billion yuan, with water transport construction increasing by 9.5% year-on-year [3] - Henan's investment in inland waterway transportation is set to exceed the total of the previous three years, with a planned investment of 20 billion yuan in 2025 [8][12] - The province's water transport construction investment grew by 147%, ranking fifth nationally, despite a 15.3% decline in overall transportation investment [7][8] Infrastructure and Capacity Building - The 2025 Henan water transport work conference emphasized the "comprehensive construction year" for water transport, focusing on enhancing channel networks and port capabilities [10][12] - By 2030, Henan aims to achieve over 2,200 kilometers of navigable waterways and a port throughput of 200 million tons [12] - The province is also working on the development of key ports like Zhengzhou, Xinyang, and Pingdingshan to improve overall capacity [12][26] Strategic Positioning - Henan's geographical advantage lies in its location at the intersection of four major river basins, providing a natural link between northern and southern regions [13] - The province's historical inland shipping network has diminished due to the rise of rail and road transport, creating an opportunity for revitalization [14][15] Economic Integration and Logistics - The government is prioritizing the integration of Henan into the national unified market, aiming to reduce logistics costs and enhance transportation efficiency [16][19] - Water transport is highlighted as a cost-effective alternative, with potential annual savings of 17 billion yuan in logistics costs by 2035 [19] Challenges and Future Directions - Despite recent growth, Henan's port throughput remains lower than neighboring provinces, indicating a need for further development [14][21] - The focus is shifting towards not just transportation but also trade and industrial integration at ports, with plans to enhance the value-added nature of goods transported [24][27] - Future initiatives include fostering industries around key ports and enhancing collaboration with major shipping hubs in the Yangtze River Delta [27]