In the first seven months of this year, the Horgos Port and Alataw Pass, two key railway ports in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, handled a combined total of 9,175 China-Europe freight trains. This significant volume highlights the growing importance of these routes in facilitating trade between China and Europe.
This represents an 8.4% increase compared to the same period last year, according to data from China Railway Urumqi Bureau Group Co., Ltd. The consistent growth underscores the effectiveness of China’s strategic investments in its railway infrastructure, particularly within the Xinjiang region, which serves as a crucial gateway for the Belt and Road Initiative.
Currently, the Alataw Pass operates 120 routes for these freight trains, connecting with 21 countries across Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Meanwhile, Horgos Port manages 85 routes, linking China to key economic hubs across the Eurasian continent. These ports have become vital arteries for the transportation of goods such as electronics, machinery, textiles, and agricultural products, which are in high demand in European and Central Asian markets.
On average, over 21 China-Europe freight trains pass through these two ports daily, carrying more than 200 types of goods, including high-value items like automotive parts and industrial equipment, as well as everyday consumer goods. The diverse range of cargo reflects the deepening economic ties between China and its trading partners along the Belt and Road Initiative.
Xinjiang has implemented paperless processes for information exchange between customs and railway departments, significantly streamlining freight train operations. This digitization reduces processing times, minimizes the risk of errors, and enhances overall efficiency. As a result, the speed and reliability of the China-Europe freight train service have improved, making it an increasingly attractive option for international trade.
These advancements have not only bolstered Xinjiang’s role as a critical transit hub but also contributed to the broader goal of fostering economic cooperation and connectivity across the Belt and Road regions. The successful operation of these freight routes is expected to further stimulate trade, create new business opportunities, and enhance economic growth in the countries involved. Additionally, the continued expansion and optimization of these railway corridors are likely to play a key role in the future development of global trade networks, reinforcing China’s position as a central player in international logistics and supply chains.
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