The Zhengzhou-Kuala Lumpur air cargo route has become a key driver of Henan's opening-up strategy, reported Beijing's China Daily. The service highlights the province's push to expand global connectivity and strengthen bilateral trade with Malaysia.

Crates of Musang King durians from Malaysia now reach Zhengzhou within five hours of harvest, with customs clearing them in 20 minutes for same-day delivery. The route exemplifies Henan's efforts to integrate into national strategies and align with international trade rules.

At the 10th plenary session of the Henan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, officials outlined plans to position the province as a strategic hub in the dual-circulation development model. Tasks include upgrading open platforms, fostering innovation-driven trade and attracting foreign investment.

Party secretary Liu Ning detailed a multidirectional strategy linking Henan with regions across China and expanding westward along the New Eurasian Land Bridge under the Belt and Road Initiative. He called for deeper engagement through air, land, digital and maritime corridors.

Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport now operates 62 freight routes via 33 airlines, connecting 66 cities in 31 countries. Kuala Lumpur was chosen as a partner hub for its access to ASEAN's 600 million people and role within the RCEP framework.

A cooperation memorandum signed in June 2024 established Henan's first overseas cargo station in Kuala Lumpur. Since August 2024, fruit charter flights have grown from one to seven weekly, carrying 30 tonnes per trip and totalling 14,000 tons.

Two-way trade between Henan and Malaysia reached 16 billion yuan in 2024, up 7.1 per cent year-on-year. Henan firms are building supply centres in Malaysia, while brands such as Mixue Bingcheng have expanded there. More than 70 Malaysian companies have invested in Henan across industries from food processing to machinery.