ILSTC and China-Europe Railway Express Unite to Offer Global Supply Chain Solutions

Chongqing - On October 15, the ASEAN Express marked a milestone in global trade as a freight train departed from Dong Anh Station in Hanoi, Vietnam, carrying high-end automotive electronics, PVC materials, and more. This new route represents a fundamental advance in addressing the global supply chain.

The ASEAN Express's first departure from Vietnam was on October 15, 2024. [Photo/Yuxinou (Chongqing) Logistics Co., Ltd.]

This operation, managed by Yuxinou (Chongqing) Logistics Co., Ltd., and New Land-Sea Corridor Operation Co., Ltd., connects Guangxi’s Pingxiang port with Chongqing's Tuanjiecun Railway Station, seamlessly linking to the China-Europe Railway Express. The train is set to arrive in Malaszewicze, Poland, in about 25 days, significantly reducing Asia-Europe freight transit time.

The Tuanjiecun Railway Station is located in Shapingba District, Chongqing. (Photo/Guo Jin)

The global supply chain has faced serious challenges, especially after the 2023 Red Sea incident, which disrupted sea routes to Europe. This forced many manufacturers to relocate to Southeast Asia, where they faced logistical issues in efficiently transporting goods to Europe, highlighting an urgent need for new logistics solutions.

To meet rising logistics demand, Yuxinou (Chongqing) Logistics Co., Ltd. and New Land-Sea Corridor Operation Co., Ltd. began preparations in July 2024 for a direct rail service from Thailand to Germany. The ASEAN Express trial in September connected Thailand, China, and Germany in around 24 days, establishing a foundation for future routes. This success enabled the launch of a new service from Hanoi, Vietnam, further expanding the international freight network.

"We aim to establish a regular ASEAN Express service with weekly departures, supported by higher authorities, to ensure the stability of the global supply chain for our customers," said Liu Taiping, general manager of Yuxinou (Chongqing) Logistics Co., Ltd., and chairman of New Land-sea Corridor Operation Co., Ltd.

The regular operation of the ASEAN Express, with Chongqing as a key logistics hub, will significantly strengthen trade between ASEAN countries and Europe. This new freight corridor will offer a faster, more efficient logistics solution, further enhancing Chongqing's position as a pivotal player in international trade. Additionally, the service aligns with the Belt and Road Initiative, fostering deeper economic and trade cooperation with ASEAN and European nations.

From January to August 2024, Chongqing transported 165,900 TEUs of goods through the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC), marking a 53% year-on-year increase. The goods value was 31.3 billion yuan (about USD 4.4 billion), an 85% increase. The integration of the ILSTC, the China-Europe Railway Express, and the Yangtze River Golden Waterway has further expanded Chongqing's logistics network to 538 ports in 125 countries and regions, reinforcing the city's role as a global trade hub.

From January to August 2024, Chongqing transported 165,900 TEUs of goods through the ILSTC. (Graphic/Zheng Ran)

Chongqing, strategically positioned in southwest China, sits at the intersection of the ILSTC, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The Tuanjiecun Railway Station in Chongqing serves as a vital hub, linking the China-Europe Railway Express with the ILSTC and reinforcing its role in enhancing connectivity between Asia and Europe.