In 2017, the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Connectivity Initiative launched the International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) project in a bid to increase connectivity and trade between western China and member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Over the past few years, the ILSTC's logistics network has expanded rapidly — it connects Europe to Southeast Asia with Chongqing as a key rail hub. As of 2024, the route reached 555 ports in 127 countries and regions.