Thoughts and suggestions on building the fulcrum city of modern circulation strategy

This study explores the development path for Jinan as a modern strategic hub for distribution. In August 2023, Jinan was included in the national plan for 102 strategic hubs for distribution, becoming one of 24 comprehensive hubs. The study employed a comprehensive assessment framework, analyzing infrastructure, operational efficiency, and industrial integration. It found that Jinan faces four major challenges: limited integration into the trunk corridor network and lagging development of sea-rail transport; low operational efficiency of distribution vehicles and outdated infrastructure; an irrational overall transportation structure, with road transport accounting for over 96%; and insufficient integration and linkage of industrial development, with trade and logistics accounting for 60%. The study proposes strategies such as promoting cross-regional integration through integration into trunk corridors; building smart logistics facilities through strengthening the foundation; focusing on four key industries through supply chain reshaping; and leveraging hub economy to drive innovation in the “logistics + platform + trade + industry” model. These strategies aim to promote Jinan’s development into a modern distribution hub supporting a dual circulation model.