Research on the Location of Cross-Border Logistics Hub for the Belt and Road Initiative

To establish the cross-border logistics hub network for China's Belt and Road Initiative, this study proposes a multi-objective hub location model that integrates two novel metrics: hub network utilization rate and hub economic stimulating effect. These metrics are formulated to evaluate resource efficiency and regional economic growth potential, respectively, and are incorporated into the optimization framework. The model is solved using the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm III (NSGA-III) with a training population, yielding a Pareto-optimal solution of 44 international logistics hubs across the Belt and Road regions, including Asia, Europe, West Africa, Oceania, and Central America. Results demonstrate that prioritizing these two objectives significantly enhances their performance: every time doubling the cost, the hub network utilization rate increases to 1.71 times and the hub economic stimulating effect rises to 1.60 times the baseline. This highlights the model's theoretical and practical value in improving resource efficiency and fostering sustainable economic development for the Belt and Road countries at lower costs. Key management insights include advancing cross-border railroads linking China and the Middle East to integrate the China Railway Express with East China, incorporating strategic ports in Oceania and North Africa into the “21st-Century Maritime Silk Road”, enhancing seaport hubs in South China and Southern Europe, and exploring direct routes between western China and South America. These measures aim to strengthen connectivity, optimize hub utilization, and amplify economic synergies across the Belt and Road network.