Beijing "Two Zones" Office and Singapore's IMDA Launch First China-Singapore-Middle East Full-Process Interoperable Digital Trade Pilot
The first China-Singapore-Middle East full-process, interoperable digital trade pilot, jointly advanced by the Beijing Free Trade Zone and National Comprehensive Demonstration Zone for Opening Up Services (referred to as the "Beijing 'Two Zones' Office") and Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), was successfully completed on March 11, 2025.
The pilot was implemented by Beijing Merima Fire Equipment Co., Ltd., which entrusted Singapore-based shipping company Pacific International Lines (PIL) to transport a container of firefighting equipment by sea from Shanghai Port to Dammam/Jeddah Port in Saudi Arabia, followed by land transportation to Merima's Jizan project site. An electronic bill of lading (eBL) was issued by PIL through the integration of the Trusted Trade Collaboration Network ("Xinmao Chain"), initiated by Huimao World, and IMDA's TradeTrust platform.
The pilot focused on two innovations in the "electronic negotiable document" process:
1.Blockchain-based evidence storage + dual-platform verification: Data hashes for 11 key nodes in the eBL issuance, transfer, and customs clearance processes were recorded on-chain.
2.China-Singapore collaboration + Middle East application: Cross-border interoperability and secure sharing of 28 trade data points were achieved.
According to the participating companies, the pilot demonstrated significant efficiencies:
·80% faster transfer of cargo ownership (reduced from 5-7 days to real-time settlement).
·65% improvement in logistics traceability.
·40% reduction in compliance costs (saving approximately $120 per transaction).
·E-BL processing time compressed from 7 days to 8 hours.
·100% real-time visibility of in-transit goods.
·60% faster customs clearance.
Supported by the Fengtai District Government, this pilot marks a milestone in advancing trade facilitation for the district and exemplifies Beijing's commitment to building a more efficient global trade environment.
In recent years, trade among Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries, including China, Singapore, and the Middle East, has flourished. The success of this pilot sets a precedent for digital trade collaboration among BRI nations. Moving forward, the Beijing "Two Zones" Office and Singapore's IMDA will continue to expand digital trade applications and deepen cooperation with other BRI countries in the digital economy, fostering a more efficient and seamless international trade ecosystem.
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