German logistics services provider DHL will put into operation its super gateway in Shenzhen, Guangdong province during the second half of the year, a senior executive said.

This comes amid shifting trade patterns and surging demand for quicker logistics services in the country.

The facility will expand capacity for e-commerce and time-critical shipments, improve efficiency and strengthen links between China and the rest of the world, while adding new cargo routes from Shenzhen to major global destinations once operational, said John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express.

As supply chains evolve toward greater diversification and resilience, the Bonn-headquartered logistics group is repositioning its global network to better align with shifting trade lanes, including rising flows between China and Europe, Southeast Asia and emerging markets.

"China remains an indispensable pillar in this transformation, not only as a manufacturing powerhouse but also increasingly as a source of innovation and demand, with strong growth in sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy and cross-border e-commerce,"Pearson said.

Against this backdrop, DHL will deepen its investment in China in line with its 2030 growth strategy, with a focus on sectors where the country holds global leadership, including new energy, life sciences and healthcare, as well as cross-border e-commerce, he added.

Backed by a fleet of 275 cargo aircraft and a global workforce of 584,000 people, DHL is focusing its investment strategy on high-growth markets, with 20 priority countries identified, including China, Hungary, Mexico and Vietnam.

"We will also continue to invest in logistics infrastructure and digitalization across our operations in China, deploying technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics and data analytics to enhance supply chain visibility and operational efficiency," he said.

This approach is also in line with broad national priorities under China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), which emphasizes green and low-carbon growth, industrial upgrading and the development of emerging industries.

Noting that DHL's role in China has evolved from being a traditional logistics provider into one where it is a strategic partner, offering integrated supply chain solutions tailored to Chinese companies, Pearson said Chinese firms are increasingly exporting not only goods but also innovation and brands, while strong domestic demand continues to attract high-quality imports such as advanced machinery, consumer products and healthcare items.

"As one of the world's largest import markets, China is becoming more sophisticated, with businesses leveraging platforms such as the China International Import Expo to bring global products into the domestic market," he said.

Efficient and reliable logistics services are key to supporting these flows, he said.

Aiming to expand unilateral opening-up and tap opportunities from consumption upgrading, China also launched the "Big Market for All: Export to China" initiative in November to broaden import channels and bring more high-quality foreign products and services into its market.

The push to expand imports and improve market access is also expected to accelerate the opening-up of China's services sector, creating new opportunities for foreign companies to participate in the country's next phase of development.

Zhang Shaogang, former vice-chairman of the Beijing-headquartered China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, said the next phase of China's opening-up will be defined less by scale and more by quality, where efficiency, connectivity and policy transparency become decisive factors shaping trade and investment flows.

"With logistics infrastructure upgrading alongside digitalization, companies that can integrate supply chains, data and market access will be better positioned to capture opportunities from China's consumption upgrade and expanding imports, while also enhancing resilience against external uncertainties," Zhang said.