XINHUA – An ASEAN Express train set off for Poland’s Malaszewicze via southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality yesterday morning, marking the opening of a fast-track route for Asia-Europe trade.
The train, loaded with automotive electronic components and other goods, left Chongqing’s Tuanjiecun Station at about 5am and is expected to reach its destination in around two weeks.
It originally departed from Hanoi, Vietnam, on October 15, before arriving in Chongqing for reconfiguration. The first ASEAN Express to depart from Chongqing symbolises the seamless connection between the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and the China-Europe freight train service – two vital international trade routes.
The total journey, which starts in Vietnam, is expected to take approximately 25 days, reducing the transit time by five to 10 days compared to previous Asia-Europe cross-border transportation routes.
The express is jointly operated by Yuxinou (Chongqing) Supply Chain Management Co, Ltd and New Land-Sea Corridor Operation Co, Ltd. This collaboration facilitates a streamlined process, enabling faster transit times and improved services for quick customs clearance, according to general manager of Yuxinou (Chongqing) Supply Chain Management Liu Taiping.
Previously, freight transportation between ASEAN and Europe had primarily relied on maritime shipping.
