Hot Issues in China’s Logistics Development

This chapter is intended to introduce some emerging or hot issues in the economic and social scenes in China and to present to the readers with a broader understanding of the latest logistics development related to these issues. In the first volume of the series, Contemporary Logistics in China – An Introduction, the development of emergency logistics, event logistics and international trade logistics were selected for this chapter. For emergency logistics, rescue and recuperation operations during the Wenchuan earthquake was taken as an example to illustrate the organization, scheduling, implementation and coordination of emergency relief logistics operations taken by the Chinese Government, with the cooperation of all business and civilian organizations. Lessons learned from the natural disaster on preparedness and awareness were also discussed. For event logistics, the 29th Olympic Games held in Beijing in 2008 was cited as a case to illustrate the logistics operations needed to move the materials, supplies, and personnel to meet the tightly-fitted dynamic scheduling and emergency support for the Games. The event involved a tremendous number of precisely-timed logistics operations, and was carried out successfully. For international trade logistics, the development of China’s international trade and advancement of related logistics operation are introduced. Logistics infrastructures, transport means, and international trade agreements were also addressed. These topics drew the attention of many readers because they not only refer to the practical problems encountered in the social and economic development in China at that time, but also are hot issues in the field of contemporary logistics research.