According to an HHLA statement, Wang headed a 40-strong party of high-ranking Chinese government officials, and the terminal operator said the visit emphasizes Hamburg’s importance as a global trade gateway. Following the agreement with Ningbo-Zhoushan, the third biggest port in the world, the Chinese delegation and HHLA met to discuss other ways the two parties can improve trade relations, including China’s New Silk Road. According to a statement from HHLA, Following the talks, HHLA’s Chairwoman, Angela Titzrath spoke of the importance of the Chinese market to Hamburg. “China has launched an ambitious logistics offensive. With the New Silk Road, the country is demonstrating that it considers trade with Europe as a project for both current and future generations. “With its customers, HHLA develops logistical and digital hubs for the transport flows of the future. As such, we want to play a role in shaping the One Belt, One Road initiative from a business perspective – and that’s exactly what we will do. “As the gateway to the world, Hamburg has always had its sights set on Asia. The Asian market, particularly China, is crucial to us in our role as the largest container terminal operator at the Port of Hamburg. “Almost 60 % of total volumes derive from Asian markets, with more than 30 % coming from China alone. The lion’s share of this cargo is seaborne. “In recent years, however, the transport chains have witnessed considerable change. Freight transport via the continental Silk Road continues to rise.”
Germany ’s Deutsche Handel und Logistik ( HHLA ) has agreed with the Port of Shanghai - Zhoushan ’s operator to increase direct deep - sea traffic and to collaborate on the use of smart technology . The summit was followed by a visit from China ’s vice president Wang Yi to HHLA Container Terminal Tollerort in Hamburg , where the two sides discussed improving trade relations and the extension of China 's One Belt One Road initiative to the German city .