#China #Xi'an #Silk Road #China Railway Express

Transforming Logistics: The Second China Railway Express Cooperation Forum

On November 18, 2025, the picturesque city of Xi'an, located in northwest China, served as the backdrop for the Second China Railway Express Cooperation Forum. Under the theme of "Connecting Asia and Europe for a Shared Future," this gathering marked a pivotal moment for international logistics and transportation. The forum presented an extensive list of over 111 pragmatic collaboration outcomes, showcasing the efforts of 145 cooperative entities from 20 different countries and regions.

This forum emphasized the significance of efficient transport, safety management, and innovative development within the China Railway Express (CRE) network. A standout feature was the announcement of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing rail freight connectivity between China and Eurasia. Notably, a landmark agreement was signed between China and five Central Asian nations, which is set to deepen freight transport collaboration.

Key Announcements and Developments

One of the most exciting developments discussed during the forum was the introduction of the fourth series of CRE trains. These new routes connect critical markets, encompassing seven new tracks, including the high-demand link from Zhengzhou, China, to Hamburg, Germany. With this addition, the total number of CRE routes has increased to 17, leading to more than 1,000 annual trips.

According to Alexei Lyakhovich, the Belarusian Minister of Communication and Transport, Belarus has actively engaged in the New Silk Road initiative since the first container shipments commenced via CRE. The brand CRE has become synonymous with quality and efficiency in the region. This is a testament to the international collaboration fostering enhanced capabilities within the global supply chain.

Guo Zhuxue, Chairman of China Railway, noted the progress made through strengthened international partnerships and better transportation organization. He revealed that CRE has achieved a remarkable balance between outbound and inbound cargo volumes while ensuring that fully loaded container deliveries now reach a remarkable 100%. This success has further resulted in a substantial decrease in freight costs, dropping over 40% in both domestic and international segments, which significantly alleviates logistics burdens.

An Extensive International Network

The culmination of these joint efforts has led to CRE trains completing nearly 120,000 journeys, establishing a comprehensive and intricate international transport network. This system now links 128 Chinese cities with 232 cities across 26 countries in Europe and connects more than 100 cities in 11 Asian nations. The expansive reach of CRE demonstrates the commitment to integrating Asian and European economies through robust transportation frameworks.

In summary, the Second China Railway Express Cooperation Forum has effectively addressed fundamental challenges in international logistics and established a framework for deeper cooperation. The collaboration effort among participating nations not only enhances trade but also opens up new avenues for economic growth and partnership. As China and its allied nations move forward, the future of transportation within the region appears more interconnected than ever before.

This transformative approach heralds a new era of collaboration and sophistication in global logistics, paving the way for sustained economic development along the Silk Road and beyond.