A train loaded with electrical products and sheet metal, left Qinzhou for Malaszewicze in Poland on Jan 17, marking the official launch of the first freight train route linking Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region with the Europe.

The route begins in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) area and passes through Guangxi and afterwards traverses across Southwest China, Central South China and Central Asia before arriving in Europe.

The trip, with a total length of some 11,000 kilometers, will take 18 to 20 days, which is 12 days shorter in comparison with marine transportation.

The first freight train from Guangxi to Europe sets off from the Qinzhou Port Railway Station on Jan 17, 2018. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Distinguished by time-efficiency and lower risks, the freight train route will be a key trade channel for ASEAN and Southern Chinese goods which are destined for Central China, Russia and Eastern Europe.

This is just the beginning, as Qinzhou will further improve its support facilities and facilitation of custom clearance procedures by ramping up cooperation with the countries along the 21st Century Silk Road Economic Belt. By Integrating their resources, the route is set to become an internationally competitive trade artery and hub for developmental growth.