A new multimodal logistics corridor connecting Sichuan province to Africa is set to enhance the global reach of the region's renowned speciality foods. Leveraging a combination of rail and sea transport, the corridor offers a faster, cost-efficient route for exporting products like hot pot base, chilli oil, and Sichuan-style snacks to the African market.

The initiative, coordinated through Chengdu's international logistics hub, begins with freight trains on the China-Europe Railway Express heading to the Port of Barcelona in Spain. From there, cargo is shipped via the Mediterranean to the Port of Tangier in Morocco. The journey, which took around 35 days, is now estimated to be shortened to 25 or 28 days.

The corridor's first shipment is scheduled to arrive in early August. It will coincide with the Morocco Siema Food Expo, showcasing Sichuan products to African and international buyers. Among the exporters is Sichuan Teway Food Group, a leading producer of compound seasonings already active in over 50 markets worldwide.

Li Jiangyan, Sales Director at Teway Food Group, says the new route cuts transit time nearly in half while increasing shipping costs by only 15–20 percent. "We see this as a strategic opportunity not just to expand our footprint in Africa, but to understand better and localise our offerings for regional consumers," Li told China News Service.

The foreign trade facilitation platform supporting the corridor was developed in collaboration with French logistics giant DPD Group. It provides end-to-end services, including assistance with customs and certification processes, thereby accelerating access to African markets.

Analysts say the corridor addresses long-standing logistical bottlenecks that previously hindered Sichuan's trade expansion into Africa. The service will operate weekly, linking the China-Europe Railway Express with Mediterranean sea lanes and bridging inland China with key African trade gateways.

"Improved multimodal connectivity is a major enabler for export-oriented SMEs in central and western China," said Zhao Ping, Vice President of the Academy of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, in remarks published by People's Daily. "This corridor could redefine trade flows between China and Africa, especially for time-sensitive consumer goods."

As China continues strengthening its Belt and Road partnerships with African nations, the Sichuan-Morocco corridor represents a tangible step toward expanding cross-continental commerce, creating new opportunities for Sichuan-based manufacturers, and bringing its distinctive culinary flavours to a broader global audience.