#China #Xi'an #International Cooperation #China Railway Express

Second China Railway Express Cooperation Forum: A Milestone in International Logistics

On November 18, 2025, the Second China Railway Express Cooperation Forum took place in Xi'an, a city steeped in history and significance as the capital of Shaanxi Province. This forum set the stage for discussing key developments in railway cooperation and logistics across Asia and Europe, under the theme 'Connecting Asia and Europe for a Shared Future.'

The event witnessed the presentation of over 111 tangible results from various collaborations. These outcomes involve the concerted efforts of 145 organizations from 20 countries and regions, aiming to establish efficient transportation channels, enhance safety protocols, and develop diversified corridors that bolster innovative services within the framework of the China Railway Express (CRE).

Among the standout achievements are ten significant results, including a landmark initiative signed between China and five Central Asian nations to deepen cooperation surrounding cargo trains related to the CRE. Furthermore, the introduction of the fourth batch of CRE trains, which now boasts complete domestic and international routes, generated considerable excitement among attendees. This new batch incorporates seven additional routes, including a notable line connecting Zhengzhou in China to Hamburg, Germany, bringing the total number of routes to 17 and exceeding 1,000 annual trips.

Belarus, a significant participant in the Belt and Road Initiative, noted the success associated with the first batch of containers transported through the CRE. As Alexey Lyakhnovich, the Minister of Transport and Communications of Belarus, remarked, the CRE brand has now become synonymous with high quality and efficiency in logistics.

The principles of enhanced international collaboration and optimized transportation organization have led to a nearly balanced shipping volume for incoming and outgoing CRE trips. According to Guo Zhuxue, Chairman of China Railway Corporation, the current rate of fully loaded containers within the CRE has reached an impressive 100%. Moreover, freight rates for both domestic and international segments have seen a reduction of over 40%, resulting in significant decreases in international logistics costs.

With joint efforts from various entities, the CRE trains have accomplished nearly 120,000 trips, establishing a comprehensive international transport network connecting 128 Chinese cities with 232 cities across 26 European nations and over 100 cities in 11 Asian countries. This expansive network not only facilitates trade but also enhances cultural exchange and economic cooperation among the involved regions.

As the forum concluded, the momentum for advancing railway cooperation and international logistics solidified the role of the CRE as a pivotal element of the global transport landscape, promising a future where connectivity fosters mutual growth and development.