During the first half, Tianjin's 10 "dry ports" posted a 10.9 per cent year-on-year volume increase to 82,500 TEU, adding to the steady growth of the Port Tianjin, Xinhua reports.

"Dry ports" are facilities set up by coastal ports in the hinterland regions and offers convenience in customs clearance and intermodal transport, which attracts more cargo.

So far, Tianjin has set up 22 dry ports in the hinterland cities and three regional marketing centres in Yinchuan, Xian and Baotou to manage these facilities.

Tianjin port's Inner Mongolia marketing centre in Baotou started operation in the first half of year. The port plans to have another four dry ports commence operation this year to raise the number of dry ports to 14. Meanwhile, the port is also casting eyes on other regions with logistics demand and will select suitable ones to join its dry port network.
Tianjin customs is also studying on the specific operation procedures of the pilot policy of port of origin tax rebate which the Chinese government offers to Tianjin, and is considering to cooperate with more developed dry ports on the policy.