CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- In order to jointly build the Belt and Road initiative and to actively participate in the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, Chongqing has launched the first direct freight train of China-Europe South Line to Istanbul, Turkey, which arrived at the destination recently.

The train departed from Chongqing Tuanjiecun Station, left China via Horgos Port, passed Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, and crossed the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea, before arriving in Turkey. With a total length of 10,000 kilometers, the journey covers track switching and train-ferry intermodal transport.

The goods transported this time are household appliances and mechanical equipment, with a value of more than CNY20 million. This freight train offers a new channel for the export of goods, which enables us to deliver the goods on time and effectively reduce our operation risks, said the customer of China-Europe Railway Express.

This is the second south line opened in Chongqing after the line to Constanta, Romania, improving the network of channels connecting western inland areas and Europe, enhancing the anti-risk ability and resilience of China-European channels, and facilitating Chongqing’s connection with the Silk Road Economic Belt.

“To ensure the smooth operation of the south line, Yuzhou Customs have communicated with export enterprises timely, improved the application of 'automatic arrival', enhanced the efficiency of declaration, examination, and inspection, and followed up on the progress of import and export customs declaration. At the same time, we will work closely with the customs of outbound destinations to ensure the successful shipping and delivery of goods to facilitate foreign trade,” said Chen Yuanjun, Deputy Director of Yuzhou Customs.

Liu Taiping, General Manager of Yuxinou Company, said that the company will make every effort to promote the development of multi-channel and multi-path China-Europe freight trains, and further enhance the supporting role of cross-border trains in the regional industrial supply chain. (Translated by Yuki, Fathom Language Limited)