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Road ahead

While technical and procedural hurdles remain, the outlook is optimistic.

Drivers like Li are undeterred. He said he planned to fix his connectivity issues as soon as he returns to China — and is already looking forward to his next trip.

"In the short term, we aim to make full use of the framework, allowing each country to issue up to 500 transport permits," Yamamoto said. "In the medium term, the goal is to expand the agreement to cover more countries and routes."

With the first round of journeys now complete and all Chinese trucks safely back home, logistics companies are reflecting and preparing.

Pu, general manager at Yunnan Youjie International Logistics, said daily flower shipments to Vietnam will start from June 1. Gong Rui, chairman of Yunnan Yunjie Technology, is also gearing up for a second cross-border delivery.

Digital efficiency

Digital platforms are also helping to unlock new efficiencies along these international routes.

Gong Rui, chairman of Yunnan Yunjie Technology, said his company supports small and micro logistics firms by matching them with transport providers, thereby reducing costs and improving delivery efficiency.

"Through our platform, we have even helped clients arrange return shipments from Vietnam to avoid empty backhaul trips," Gong said. "Logistics should be borderless. When managed well, it creates real value for businesses and consumers."

His company also joined the recent cross-border run, delivering fabric to a Vietnamese factory.

The sentiment was echoed by Vietnamese logistics partners. Nguyen Van Duc, general manager of Hateco, a Vietnamese conglomerate, said the new transport route has significantly simplified customs procedures and lowered logistics expenses.

"It's a win-win for importers and exporters on both sides," he said.

luowangshu@chinadaily.com.cn