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The 2nd China Railway Express Cooperation Forum: A Milestone in International Logistics

On November 18, 2025, the Second China Railway Express (CRE) Cooperation Forum took place in Xi'an, a historic city in northwest China. This significant event saw the announcement of 111 pragmatic deliverables aimed at enhancing international logistics and fostering cooperation among countries involved in the CRE initiative. The forum centered on the theme "Connecting Asia and Europe for a Shared Future," reflecting a commitment to expanding bilateral trade and connectivity across these regions.

Key Highlights of the Forum

Among the impressive outcomes presented at the forum, ten notable deliverables stood out. A significant initiative was agreed upon between China and five Central Asian nations, focusing on enhancing cooperation related to cargo trains between China and Europe. This collaboration aims to streamline processes, manage logistics more effectively, and promote sustainable development in the railway sector.

Additionally, the China State Railway Group unveiled the fourth batch of CRE trains, which garnered considerable attention. This latest addition includes seven new routes, significantly expanding the network's reach. Notably, a new service now links Zhengzhou, China, with Hamburg, Germany, raising the total number of operational routes to 17. These routes collectively facilitate over 1,000 annual trips, demonstrating the robustness of the freight network.

Achievements and Future Directions

Guo Zhuxue, Chairman of China Railway, highlighted that the CRE brand has grown synonymous with quality and efficiency. He noted that through enhanced international collaboration and improved transport organization, the freight volumes for outbound and inbound trips have achieved a near-complete balance. Impressively, the fully-loaded container rate for CRE has now reached an unprecedented 100%. Furthermore, freight prices on both domestic and international segments have decreased by more than 40%, substantially lowering logistics costs for all stakeholders involved.

The impact of the CRE initiative has been profound. Since its inception, CRE trains have successfully completed nearly 120,000 trips, creating a comprehensive international transport network connecting 128 cities in China with 232 cities in 26 European nations, as well as over 100 cities across 11 Asian countries.

Building Bridges: A Vision for Connected Futures

The second forum reaffirmed the commitment of participants to explore innovative solutions for addressing modern logistics challenges. The integration of technology, enhanced governance, and safety protocols are expected to enable smoother operations and foster economic ties, shaping a future where trade flows more freely between Asia and Europe.

As the CRE continues to expand, initiatives like these serve to facilitate greater economic cooperation and network synergies, positioning the involved nations to capitalize on new opportunities in global trade.

In conclusion, the Second China Railway Express Cooperation Forum marks a pivotal moment for international logistics, establishing a framework for future developments and collaborations that promise to enhance cargo operations and logistics efficiency in the region. As stakeholders work together towards a shared vision, the potential for growth and development in the rail transport sector remains immense.