The first phase of the largest and most advanced cold chain logistics system and daily necessities reserve center has been completed and put into operation in Tibet recently.

The first phase of the project was designed with a total storage capacity of 20,000 tons, including 5,000 tons for halal food. It will greatly guarantee the supply of daily necessities, such as meat and speed up the construction of modern logistics network of Tibet.

The photo shows the loading place of the cold store.[Photo/Xinhua]

In recent years, accompanied by the warming up of Tibetan tourism, the need for daily necessities such as meat is gradually increasing, making the gap between supply and demand expand.

According to Zhu Qingyong, the person in charge of the whole project, the meat Tibet needs to import from other provinces will increase by over 10% every year, the construction of the cold store will effectively regulate the market supply and price fluctuation, and improve local people’s living standards.

Due to the historical and geographical factors, Tibet’s logistics infrastructures are small in scale. The storage and transportation facilities are few and agricultural markets are imperfect. There is also no adequate capacity to store, process and transport fresh goods.

"The cold store under construction will reduce the circulation cost and improve distributing efficiency," said Zhu.

The second stage of the project will be started in 2013 and all the construction of the project will be completed by the end of 2014. The whole project will be introduced into ISO22000 food safety certification system to ensure the safe supply of daily necessities in Tibet.

The project has an investment of more than 100 million yuan (about $16.05 million), and covers an area of 30 mu (about 4.94 acres). When completed, it can store 40,000 tons fresh meat. It will also serve as a center for trading frozen meat, seafood, cold drinks, vegetables, fruits and daily necessities as well as business and electronic clearing. 300 jobs will be provided by the project.

A worker operates a refrigerate compressor of the cold store.[Photo/Xinhua]