In Kashgar of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, consumers used to wait a week or so for online purchases due to its remote location.

However, since March of this year, logistics efficiency has improved thanks to the 5G smart logistics hub established by Guangzhou Laplace Investment Holding, a company based in Tianhe district, Guangzhou, in South China's Guangdong province.

By bringing in major logistics providers like JD.com, SF Express, and China Post, the smart logistics hub ensures that local residents can now enjoy next-day or even same-day delivery.

The Kashgar smart logistics hub. [Photo/Nanfang Plus]

As the logistics functions are gradually improved, it is set to become a key support for Kashgar in establishing itself as an important hub and trade center for countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

"In recent years, parcel deliveries in Kashgar have grown by more than 70 percent annually, but there is no large modern logistics center. In a country where e-commerce is highly developed, this is a good opportunity," said Zhou Jihao, the company’s deputy general manager.

The project, with a total investment of 630 million yuan ($88 million), is being implemented in three phases. The first phase, an intelligent sorting center, was constructed in just six months.

Since the first phase of the logistics port project went into operation, it has directly created jobs for over 600 people in Kashgar and indirectly supported employment for more than 1,000 others in the area.