Highlights from the Second China Railway Express Cooperation Forum in Xi'an: A Look at 111 Collaborative Achievements

Unveiling Results from the Second China Railway Express Cooperation Forum

On November 18, 2025, Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi Province in China, played host to the Second China Railway Express (CRE) Cooperation Forum. This significant event gathered representatives from 145 cooperative organizations across 20 countries and regions, unveiling an impressive list of 111 outcomes aimed at enhancing international rail transport.

Setting the Stage

The forum operated under the theme "Connecting Asia and Europe for a Shared Future," highlighting the essential role of railway cooperation in fostering economic ties between the two continents. Key highlights of the event included various collaborative initiatives and the presentation of innovative transport solutions designed to ensure efficiency, security, and diversification in railway routes.

One standout initiative was the agreement signed by China and five Central Asian countries, aimed at enhancing Chinese-European cooperation in commodity rail transport facilitated by CRE. This initiative reflects a growing trend toward deeper integration among nations along the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

New Developments in Rail Routes

The forum not only celebrated existing achievements but also introduced exciting new developments. In response to increased demand and successful operations, the CRE announced its fourth phase of train services, which now includes seven new routes. For instance, a significant new route will connect Zhengzhou, China, with Hamburg, Germany, boosting the total number of routes to 17, with over 1,000 annual trips planned.

Alexey Lyakhnovich, Belarus's Minister of Transport and Communications, acknowledged the benefits of CRE’s collaboration under the BRI framework, stating that the CRE brand has come to represent quality and efficiency. He noted that the initiative has significantly impacted freight transport volumes and logistics optimizations that allow for lower transportation costs.

Achievements in Transportation Efficiency

Guo Zhuxue, Chairman of China Railway Group, emphasized the remarkable improvements achieved through international cooperation and enhanced transport organization. He stated, "Compared to previous years, the overall load factor for CRE containers has reached 100%, and freight rates on both domestic and international routes have decreased by over 40%. This effectively lowers the costs associated with international logistics."

In total, the CRE trains have completed nearly 120,000 trips, establishing an extensive transportation network that links 128 cities in China with 232 cities across 26 European countries and over 100 cities in 11 Asian nations. These statistics not only underline the growth of CRE but also the essential role it plays in global supply chains.

Conclusion

The Second China Railway Express Cooperation Forum successfully illustrated the potential of railway networks to foster deeper economic connections between countries. By capitalizing on collaborative efforts, innovative routes, and enhanced logistical solutions, CRE is set to redefine the future of international rail transport, ensuring that it remains a cornerstone of global trade and cooperation.

As we look ahead, the partnerships formed at this forum will likely pave the way for further advancements and transformations within the rail industry, symbolizing a dynamic interplay between commerce and connectivity across continents.