SIMIC

CHINESE seaports are removing nucleic acid tests and centralised quarantines for crew members who change ships as part of the nation's latest moves regarding the Covid crisis, reports Beijing's Global Times.
Experts stated the policy shift will cause new momentum in trade, and a full recovery is expected in the second half of the year.
Crew members of international voyage ships who intend to come to China and change shifts at Chinese ports should use a nucleic acid test 48 hours before the ship leaves the last overseas port.
Those who test positive need to be treated in a timely manner.
Moreover, all cities and provinces in China no longer implement the approval system for the crew of international voyage ships to change ships at domestic ports and only perform entry-exit inspections.
Several major ports in China have followed suit. The moves have received support from industry insiders who are expecting a trading rebound soon.
"We are looking for specific details regarding the implementation of the measures in localities," said a person with a large international shipping company.
Shanghai International Shipping Research Centre manager Zhao Nan declared that the lifting of the restrictions simplifies procedures, cuts costs, and increases confidence among companies.
"It will be conducive to the rapid flow of trade. For port companies, they can effectively reduce logistics costs while promoting efficient operation of the entire logistics channel and the growth of the foreign trade industry," said Ms Zhao.