平陆运河带来区域格局巨变，广西“工字形”经济带呼之欲出

Core Viewpoint - The Pinglu Canal is set to become a vital development axis connecting the north and south of Guangxi, facilitating new logistics channels and reshaping regional development patterns [1][3]. Group 1: Project Overview - The Pinglu Canal, approximately 135 kilometers long, is being constructed to the Class I inland waterway standard, accommodating vessels of 5,000 tons, with a total estimated investment of approximately 72.7 billion yuan [3]. - As of September 10, 2023, the project has completed an investment of 59.25 billion yuan, accounting for 81.5% of the total investment, with an expected completion date for navigation by the end of 2026 [3]. Group 2: Economic Impact - The canal will connect the mainstream of the Xijiang River with the Beibu Gulf, shortening the shipping distance for goods from the upper reaches of the Xijiang River to the sea by approximately 560 kilometers [3][4]. - This development is expected to significantly enhance the transportation capacity and efficiency of the new land-sea corridor in the west, reducing social transportation costs in the southwestern region [3][4]. Group 3: Strategic Development Framework - The "14th Five-Year Plan" for Guangxi proposes the construction of a "工" shaped economic belt, integrating the Pearl River-Xijiang economic belt, the Pinglu Canal economic belt, and the coastal economic belt [3][5]. - The Pinglu Canal is anticipated to attract industries such as raw material processing along the waterway, promoting industrial agglomeration and regional economic balance [4][5]. Group 4: Regional Development Dynamics - The Pinglu Canal is expected to transform the economic landscape of Guangxi, addressing the regional disparities characterized by "east strong, west weak, south heavy, and north light" [6]. - It will facilitate the rise of central regions, elevate Nanning from an "inland city" to a "coastal city," and enhance connectivity for cities like Guigang and Hengzhou [6]. Group 5: Strategic Value - The construction of the "工" shaped economic belt will create a physical connection for "dual circulation," efficiently organizing internal resources while integrating with global supply chains through the Qinzhou Port [7]. - It aims to enhance regional collaboration by breaking down administrative barriers and forming a complete chain from upstream resources to downstream exports [7].