Foreign logistics companies are actively seeking broader opportunities in China, recognizing the country’s pivotal role in global trade. Recently, at the Tianjin International Shipping Industry Expo, Arab entrepreneur Don Kaushalya Wirasinha, general manager of GSI Global Logistics from Dubai, engaged with shipowners, logistics firms, and freight forwarders for three fruitful days. He expressed optimism about future business prospects, noting the abundance of new partnerships emerging from this event.
To maximize opportunities, Wirasinha plans to visit China at least biannually. Established in 2009, GSI Global Logistics offers a range of international logistics services, including transportation, customs clearance, and final delivery. The company has established a presence in key Chinese ports such as Tianjin, Shanghai, and Ningbo.
Wirasinha emphasized the essential nature of China’s role in global trade, stating that few countries can operate without engaging with it. In 2024, China retained its title as the world’s largest port operator, demonstrating significant growth in both cargo and container throughput. The nation’s logistics sector also showed strong indicators of expansion, with a logistics market index of 50.6 percent in May, indicating resilient supply chains.
The expo attracted numerous foreign logistics professionals hoping to capitalize on China’s market potential. One such attendee, Mikhael Mangopo, director of an Indonesian marine surveying firm, actively sought connections with Chinese shipowners and port suppliers. He highlighted how his firm’s expertise could benefit Chinese businesses operating in Indonesia.
Furthermore, China’s foreign trade in goods reached approximately 2.5 trillion U.S. dollars in the first five months of 2025, showcasing a year-on-year growth despite global geopolitical challenges. The resilience of China’s economy, supported by efficient industrial chains, has bolstered its logistics sector, enticing international collaboration. Sri Lanka Ports Authority’s Lal Weerasinghe also noted the importance of maintaining strong ties with Chinese port operators, attributing much of their progress to the Belt and Road Initiative.