CHINA has been told to speed up its supply chain by streamlining customs procedures and facilitating the flow of goods across borders to help shippers and manufacturers.

Asia Pacific FedEx Express president David Cunningham said highways, airports had been developed, their efficiency is hampered by poor intermodal connections and customs clearance, according to London's International Freighting Weekly.

"The government, although keen to promote the industry, is [also] hampered by a multiple-layered administration, which only adds to logistics costs," he said, adding "with healthy competition and stronger logistics firms, better services will result."