Core Insights - The strategic cooperation agreement signed between the government of Macheng City, Xiamen Port Management Bureau, and Xiamen Free Trade Zone aims to enhance the functionality of key nodes in domestic and international dual circulation, establishing a new open pattern of "mountain-sea linkage and east-west mutual assistance" [1] Group 1: Strategic Cooperation - The three parties will collaborate in five areas: promoting port linkage development, accelerating logistics channel construction, strengthening industrial integration, expanding international market cooperation, and enhancing shared innovation outcomes [1] - The cooperation is a result of Xiamen Port's ongoing efforts to advance sea-rail intermodal transport and the successful construction of the Macheng-Xiamen logistics channel [1] Group 2: Logistics and Trade Development - Macheng City, known for its granite industry, has stone exports accounting for 40% of its trade, primarily to Japan, South Korea, and the Middle East [2] - Since the first shipment of Macheng stone via sea-rail intermodal transport in March 2022, the volume has steadily increased, with 820 standard containers shipped last year and 206 standard containers in the first quarter of this year, representing a year-on-year growth of approximately 30% [2] Group 3: Cost Efficiency and Competitive Advantage - Logistics costs account for 25% to 30% of the total costs for Macheng's stone export industry, highlighting the need to reduce these costs to enhance product competitiveness [3] - The sea-rail intermodal transport model is expected to lower logistics costs and improve customs efficiency, boosting the confidence of local stone industry entrepreneurs [3] Group 4: Port Development and Economic Impact - Xiamen Port has maintained a container throughput exceeding 10 million standard containers for eight consecutive years, ranking 14th globally, with routes reaching 50 countries and 151 ports [3] - The port's development as a key hub in the national comprehensive transportation system, along with recent tax reduction measures and supportive policies, has effectively reduced costs and improved efficiency for businesses [3] - The collaboration between Xiamen and Macheng is anticipated to facilitate better export opportunities for local products and contribute to the economic development of the revolutionary old areas [3]