New logistics network transforms fortunes of remote Metog county

The once-secluded county of Metog in the Xizang autonomous region has transformed from an isolated outpost into a fast-growing hub of commerce in recent years, according to local reports.

The shift follows improvements to transport links and the rapid expansion of e-commerce, which have helped bring the area's distinctive products to markets far beyond its mountainous borders.

Metog was long known as the "isolated island" of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau due to its challenging terrain. Until 2013, when a national road was completed, it was the last county in China without road access.

The arrival of a road connection marked a turning point, ending decades of geographical isolation and laying the groundwork for new industries to take hold.

As a groundbreaking change, since the latter half of last year, some e-commerce platforms have waived logistics transfer fees for remote regions, including Metog.

This policy shift has been instrumental in driving local commerce, allowing specialty products from Metog, such as its famed stone pots, to find eager buyers across the country.

Entrepreneur Wangmo set up an online shop specializing in local stone pots in 2017, and her business has been flourishing thanks to the revamped shipping policies. "My orders now come from all over the country, with the farthest destinations being Taiwan and Hong Kong," Wangmo was quoted as saying by CCTV's finance channel.

By hosting her digital storefront on the popular online shopping platform Pinduoduo, her business has achieved monthly sales of over 100 stone pots.

Wangmo said that her entire quality of life has improved thanks to the convenience of e-commerce. Her newly built house is filled with home appliances purchased online, reflecting the ease of shopping and delivery brought by improved logistics. "It's now much easier to sell stone pots, but just as importantly, I can purchase what I need and have it delivered right to my door at no extra cost — it's amazing," she said.

According to a representative from JD Logistics in Lhasa, the geographical remoteness of Metog previously meant that deliveries often took over a week to arrive. However, with the expansion of JD Logistics' self-operated warehousing and distribution network, online purchases made by Metog residents are now shipped from its Lhasa smart warehouse.

This enhancement allows for next-day delivery in most cases and, in some instances, even same-day delivery, marking a major improvement compared to previous delivery times.

While enabling products to reach rural areas, logistics companies are also closing the gap between agricultural producers and national markets. These products, stored locally, are quickly distributed nationwide via warehousing and transportation systems, creating a seamless logistics channel for Xizang's unique items.

Local specialties such as stone pots and tea from Metog are able to be distributed widely across China. By overcoming the logistical challenges associated with transportation in remote mountainous areas, logistics companies have significantly reduced courier fees for farmers, thereby helping them lower costs and increase income.

The success of such logistics advancements was evident during this year's Singles' Day shopping carnival, during which Xizang showcased vibrant consumer activities on e-commerce platforms.

Data from JD revealed that Xizang led the nation in per capita spending.

Last year, Metog's GDP was 1.01 billion yuan ($142 million), with a growth rate of 6.95 percent. The per capita disposable income of urban residents in the county reached 47,198 yuan, marking a 7 percent increase compared to the previous year, while the per capita disposable income of rural residents was 24,935 yuan, reflecting an 8.3 percent growth, according to local authorities.

palden_nyima@chinadaily.com.cn