On July 28th, the National Development and Reform Commission held a special press conference on China-Europe freight trains.
At the meeting, Liang Linchong, Director of the Openness Department of the National Development and Reform Commission, explained that during this year’s record-breaking high temperatures in Europe, China-Europe freight trains have become a “fast lane” for delivering air-conditioning equipment to local markets.
Liang Linchong explained that the China-Europe freight trains have become an important bridge for strengthening international economic and trade relations. These trains stretch across Asia and Europe, connecting the east and west. They effectively link production with consumption, greatly promoting the circulation of goods and industrial complementarity among countries along the route. The types of goods transported include 53 major categories and over 50,000 varieties. The value of goods transported accounts for an increasing proportion of China-Europe trade volume.
He cited an example: in June this year, Europe was hit by a record-breaking heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. This led to a dramatic increase in demand for air conditioning units. In China, the supply of air conditioners fell short of demand locally. Therefore, manufacturers such as Midea and Gree switched their replenishment channels from sea transport to China-Europe trains. This reduced the transportation time from 40 days to about 15 days, creating a "fast lane" for trade between China and Europe.
"Central Europe Express has become a crucial bridge for close international commerce travel." Liang Linchong said.
China-Europe freight trains have smoothed the transportation channels across the Asia-Europe continent, improved the infrastructure network along the routes, and gradually formed connections from individual points to continuous lines, and from lines to a comprehensive network. Currently, China-Europe freight trains have planned 96 operating routes, creating a diversified network of channels in the north, central, and southern regions of the overseas area. They reach 236 cities in 26 European countries, forming a smooth, efficient, multi-directional, and interconnected transportation network.
A typical example is the Trans Caspian International Transport Corridor. Along this route, countries have jointly strengthened the expansion and renovation of infrastructure such as ports, railways, ports, and stations. They are continuously eliminating bottlenecks and obstacles, and promoting a steady increase in traffic volume. From January to June this year, the freight train volume on the southern route increased by more than 90% compared to the same period last year.
Liang Linchong said that the operation of China-Europe trains has created new opportunities for the development of inland areas, promoting the prosperity and growth of port economies and hub economies. It also helps countries and regions along the line to better integrate into the open world economy. Relying on China-Europe trains, inland cities in the central and western regions such as Chongqing, Chengdu, and Zhengzhou have transformed from being 'defensive' in the opening process to becoming 'forward' players. The small Polish town of Malaszewicz has become an important logistics hub for the EU thanks to China-Europe trains. Duisburg in Germany has transformed from a traditional industrial city into an important European logistics hub, with China-Europe trains becoming its new urban landmark.
He pointed out that China-Europe freight trains have deepened cultural exchanges with the countries along the route. In 2025, a special train for international cultural tourism between China and Central Asia will be launched successfully. Upon arriving in Kazakhstan, activities such as cultural exchange fairs, cultural and archaeological exhibitions, and sports competitions were organized. This year, in July, the train began operating under a market-oriented model, further deepening the friendly relations between the Chinese and Kazakh peoples and enhancing mutual trust.
Liang Linchong also mentioned that the China-Europe Railway Express Service has provided benefits to hundreds of millions of people, becoming a 'shopping cart' for the people along the route. Chinese consumers can directly purchase Spanish wines, Dutch cheese, and other high-quality European products, while European consumers can also buy 'Made in China' smart home appliances and daily necessities. Through the 'China-Laos Railway + China-Europe Railway Express Service', both domestic citizens and European consumers can enjoy fresh and affordable fruits from Southeast Asia, such as durian and jackfruit.
