A China-Europe freight train carrying Kazakh wheat arrived at the China-Kazakhstan Lianyungang Logistics Cooperation Base on Friday, marking a historic milestone as total trips through the eastern Jiangsu Province hub surpassed 7,000. The achievement underscores Lianyungang’s growing role in bridging Eurasian trade networks.
The latest shipment utilized a sea-rail intermodal route, transporting goods from landlocked Central Asia to Southeast Asian markets in approximately 20 days. Analysts highlight this efficiency as a competitive alternative to traditional maritime routes, particularly for time-sensitive cargo.
Since its launch in 2015, the Lianyungang corridor has become a linchpin in China’s cross-continental logistics strategy, handling electronics, machinery, and agricultural products. The 7,000-trip benchmark reflects a 12% year-on-year increase in freight volume, signaling robust demand despite global supply chain challenges.
Business leaders and trade experts note the route’s strategic value in connecting ASEAN economies with Central Asia’s resource-rich markets. The seamless transfer between rail and port facilities at Lianyungang reduces transit costs by up to 30% compared to all-sea routes, according to logistics operators.
