China-Europe freight trains in fast lane despite coronavirus
A total of 1,132 trips of China-Europe freight trains have been made in the first two months in 2020, increasing by 6% year on year.
Despite the novel coronavirus outbreak, the China-Europe freight trains have been running smoothly with cargo shipped overseas in bulk, customs authorities said.
A worker directs container hoisting operation at a logistic station in Xinzhu Railway Station in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi province, March 11, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua]
With a total cargo value of about US$3.8 million, a freight train carrying goods including auto parts and household appliances left for Russia's Moscow Saturday from the city of Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, according to Nanjing Customs.
More than 200 trips of China-Europe freight trains have been made in Jiangsu so far this year, a 30% increase year-on-year, among which the trains in the city of Lianyungang have carried over 10,000 standard containers in the first two months, the customs said.
"Due to the high level of mechanization and no direct contact between people, freight trains have advantages in exports during the epidemic," said Zhang Fan, general manager of a freight forwarding company in Jiangsu.
"We have set up special reception windows and green channels for China-Europe freight trains, to ensure no delay of the shipment amid the virus outbreak," said Wang Shoujun, an official with Nanjing Customs.
A total of 1,132 trips of China-Europe freight trains have been made in the first two months in 2020, increasing by 6% year on year, according to the National Development and Reform Commission.
Initiated in 2011, the China-Europe rail service is considered a significant part of the Belt and Road Initiative to boost trade between China and Europe.
