Chongqing, China – In the early hours of Friday morning, as dawn broke over the bustling city of Chongqing, a landmark journey began that promises to reshape Asia-Europe trade. The inaugural ASEAN Express train departed from Chongqing’s Tuanjiecun Station, setting a new pace for international freight transport between Southeast Asia and Europe.
Carrying automotive electronic components and assorted goods, the train embarked on its two-week journey to Malaszewicze, Poland. This voyage is more than just a shipment; it represents the first seamless link connecting the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor with the China-Europe freight train service, two pivotal trade routes in the region.
The ASEAN Express initially commenced its journey in Hanoi, Vietnam, on October 15. After traversing the landscapes of Southeast Asia, it arrived in Chongqing for reconfiguration before heading westward to Europe. The entire trip from Vietnam to Poland will span approximately 25 days, effectively reducing transit time by five to ten days compared to traditional routes.
“This new route is a game-changer,” remarked Liu Taiping, general manager of Yuxinou (Chongqing) Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd., one of the operators of the express. “By enhancing transit speed and streamlining services, we’re facilitating faster customs clearance and more efficient logistics.”
Traditionally, freight from ASEAN countries to Europe relied heavily on maritime shipping, often entailing longer transit times and complex procedures. “Previously, transporting goods by rail required two separate transport routes and platforms,” explained He Daoguo, general manager of Chongqing Meilian International Warehouse & Transport. “This new collaboration not only simplifies the process but also reduces logistics costs by approximately 15 percent.”
The launch of the ASEAN Express positions Chongqing as a vital inland hub within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a development strategy aimed at enhancing regional connectivity. Ding Yao, head of the Chongqing Academy of Economics Research, highlighted the broader implications: “This connection will further facilitate trade and cultural exchanges between BRI countries, stabilize global industrial and supply chains, and drive high-quality cooperation within the initiative.”
The New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, with Chongqing at its core, connects global ports through a network of railways, sea routes, and highways spanning southern and southwestern China, including regions like Guangxi and Yunnan. As of August 2024, the corridor has expanded its reach to 523 ports across 124 countries and regions, illustrating its growing significance in global trade.
Launched in 2011, the China-Europe freight train service has become a critical logistics link between Asia and Europe, experiencing rapid growth alongside the implementation of the BRI. The integration of the ASEAN Express into this network marks a significant step forward in enhancing trade efficiency and economic collaboration across continents.
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Asia-Europe trade on track as ASEAN Express accelerates from SW China
cgtn.com
