A China-Europe (Xiamen) Railway Express train makes its way to Moscow, Russia. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]
Since its launch on Aug 16, 2015, the China-Europe (Xiamen) Railway Express has operated a total of 1335 trains, carrying 113,000 standard containers and goods worth 34.02 billion yuan ($4.77 billion), as Aug 16 this year.
Operating out of Xiamen, it was the first international rail route originating from a pilot free trade zone in China and the first to join the China-Europe Secure and Smart Trade Line Pilot Program, or SSTL.
Based on its geographical location and policy advantages, the China-Europe (Xiamen) Railway Express has expanded from a single route to seven operating routes, covering over 30 cities in 13 countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.
It has established an international logistics channel connecting Europe and Asia, facilitating the transportation of goods from Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia.
Chen Luchao, business manager of Xiamen International Railway Service Co Ltd, said that as one of the earliest operating platforms for freight trains, they were thrilled to witness the continuous growth of the service.
Initially, the express mainly carried small commodities such as clothing and ceramics, but now more high-value-added products like biopharmaceuticals and new energy vehicles being transported.