Second China Railway Express Cooperation Forum Reveals Over 100 Collaborative Achievements

The Second China Railway Express Cooperation Forum

On November 18, 2025, the city of Xi'an in northwestern China played host to the Second China Railway Express (CRE) Cooperation Forum, centered on the theme of "Connecting Asia and Europe for a Shared Future." This event marked a significant milestone in international logistics and highlighted the collaborative efforts of various nations in freight transport.

During the forum, a comprehensive list of 111 pragmatic outcomes stemming from the CRE initiative was presented, involving a diverse network of 145 participating entities across 20 different countries and regions. These achievements point towards advancements in efficient transportation, safety management, and diversified corridor development, which are all crucial for the ongoing evolution of the China Railway Express.

Among the 111 outcomes, 10 notable achievements stood out, including a key agreement signed by China and five Central Asian countries aimed at enhancing Sino-European (or Asian) cooperation in the realm of freight trains. This agreement signifies a deeper commitment to developing joint logistics networks and improving transport efficiency across borders.

One highly anticipated aspect of the forum was the presentation of the fourth batch of CRE trains. This new batch includes complete domestic and international schedules issued by the China State Railway Group. Notably, the fourth batch introduced seven new routes, greatly increasing connectivity, including a notable link between Zhengzhou, China, and Hamburg, Germany. This expansion brings the total number of operating routes to 17, contributing to an impressive annual frequency of over 1,000 train journeys.

Another highlight of the forum was the guest speaker, Alexej Lyakhnovich, Belarus's Minister of Transport and Communications. He remarked on the progress of Belarus's involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative, stating that the CRE brand has become synonymous with high quality and efficiency. This development is pivotal for international logistics, creating balanced freight volumes in both outbound and inbound services.

Guo Zhuxue, chairman of China Railway, emphasized that the efforts resulted in nearly 120,000 train journeys since the initiative's inception. This extensive network has effectively interconnected 128 cities in China with 232 cities across 26 European countries and over 100 cities across 11 Asian nations, fostering economic ties and mutual growth.

The forum discussions also covered the notable improvements in logistical costs. Guo revealed that the comprehensive loading rate of CRE containers has now reached 100%, with transportation costs dropping by over 40% on both domestic and international routes. These reductions not only enhance the efficiency of logistics but also help mitigate the expenses associated with global freight movements.

In conclusion, the Second China Railway Express Cooperation Forum served as an important platform for unveiling collaborative achievements in freight transport and logistics. It reflects the ongoing commitment to strengthen international cooperation and the development of efficient transport networks, which are essential for connecting Asia and Europe in today's globalized economy. As the CRE initiative continues to evolve, it promises to play a vital role in shaping the future of international logistics and trade.

This forum not only represents a significant step forward in rail transport cooperation but also sets the stage for ongoing dialogues and partnerships that will enhance global connectivity for the years to come.