#China #Xi'an #CRE #China Railway Express

Highlights of the Second China Railway Express Cooperation Forum

The Second China Railway Express (CRE) Cooperation Forum took place on November 18, 2025, in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province. Under the theme of “Connecting Asia and Europe for a Shared Future”, this significant event showcased a comprehensive list of 111 achievements that reflect the growing collaboration among various countries through the CRE initiative.

An Overview of CRE Achievements

During the forum, participants were presented with noteworthy outcomes that involve 145 collaborating entities from 20 different countries and regions. The highlighted achievements focused on effective transportation solutions, security enhancements, management improvements, diversified transport corridors, and innovative developments related to the China Railway Express.

Among the most remarkable initiatives discussed was an agreement established between China and five Central Asian countries aimed at deepening collaboration on CRE freight trains, particularly enhancing trade routes between China and Europe. This further underlines the strategic importance of CRE in facilitating smoother and more efficient trade.

Expansion of Routes and Frequencies

The event also saw the unveiling of the fourth batch of CRE trains with comprehensive domestic and international schedules. The involvement of the China State Railway Group (China Railway) triggered a keen interest among participants, particularly with the introduction of seven new routes connecting Zhengzhou in China to Hamburg, Germany. This brings the total number of operational routes to an impressive 17, with annual trips exceeding 1,000.

Transportation Minister of Belarus, Aleksei Lachnovich, remarked on how the CRE initiative has evolved since the transportation of the first containers. With Belarus joining the initiative, the CRE has become synonymous with quality and efficiency. The close international cooperation and optimized logistics have enabled CRE to maintain a balanced volume of inbound and outbound shipments, reflecting the effectiveness of the initiative.

Achievements in Load Utilization and Cost Reduction

Guo Zhuxue, Chairman of China Railway, emphasized that the full container load rate for CRE has hit an impressive 100%, a significant increase from previous years. Moreover, freight costs on both domestic and international routes have dropped by over 40%, effectively reducing the expenses associated with international logistics.

This success can be attributed to the joint efforts of multiple stakeholders, as nearly 120,000 CRE trips have been completed, establishing an extensive international transport network that connects 128 Chinese cities to 232 cities across 26 European countries and over 100 cities in 11 Asian nations. Such an expansive network is setting a new standard for international rail logistics.

Future Prospects

The outcomes of the Second CRE Cooperation Forum not only highlight the current successes but also pave the way for future opportunities. Stakeholders are optimistic about the continued enhancement of the international rail logistics framework, leading to more streamlined trade pathways and enhanced economic partnerships between nations. As the CRE initiative progresses, it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in fostering connectivity and collaboration across the vast expanse of Asia and Europe.

In conclusion, the second forum marks an important milestone in the journey of the China Railway Express initiative, indicating a robust commitment to developing transport systems that bring nations closer together and bolster economic growth through strategic collaboration.