The Changyuan 003 container ship, loaded with export products made in Zhongshan, departed from the Zhongshan Port international container terminal on June 16, marking the opening of the new Zhongshan Port- Yantian Port combined ports route.

As the fourth Shenzhen-Zhongshan combined ports route opened this year, the new route facilitates the export of Zhongshan goods to Europe and America at lower costs.

"For export via a combined ports route, the exporter needs only to go through customs clearance once, which saves 2-3 days and helps improve export efficiency," said a staffer of the Zhongshan Port Branch of Zhongshan Huahui International Freight Forwarding Co.

So far, 7 combined ports routes have been opened between Shenzhen and Zhongshan. Plans include another 3 combined ports routes in the future to achieve full coverage of all ports in the two cities.