At an international forum on the China Railway Express held in Xi’an this week, officials, scholars and business leaders from across Asia and Europe agreed that China-Europe freight trains are now playing an indispensable role in strengthening Eurasian connectivity and stabilizing global supply chains.
Participants noted that what began as a single pilot route more than a decade ago has grown into one of the world’s most influential cross-continental logistics networks. With nearly 120,000 trips completed and 12 million TEUs of cargo transported, the China-Europe freight train service now links 232 cities in Europe and over 100 in Asia, forming a dense web that supports industry, trade, and investment across regions.
Speaking at the forum, Tsoncho Ganev, vice president of the Bulgarian National Assembly, described the network as “a critical artery of the global economy” and a key pillar of the Belt and Road Initiative. He emphasized that the growth of railway corridors has accelerated the digitalization of trade, simplified customs procedures, and strengthened economic ties between Asia and Europe. For Bulgaria, he said, the rail service has helped the country become a gateway into the European market while opening more convenient channels for Asian goods.
Representatives from logistics companies echoed this view. Marcel Stein, CEO of TE Germany GmbH, recalled that his company participated in the very first China-Europe freight train departing Chongqing in 2011. Since then, expanding rail routes have enabled them to serve a broader range of European destinations, illustrating how the network has matured into a comprehensive and reliable logistics option for global shippers.
A report released during the forum highlighted the scale of this transformation. By the end of 2024, the total value of goods carried by China-Europe freight trains had reached USD 426.4 billion, a 33-fold increase since 2013. Over that period, the service’s share in China-Europe trade rose from 0.4% to 8.5%, demonstrating its growing importance in long-distance cargo movement, especially as companies look for alternatives to sea and air freight amid changing global supply chain dynamics.
Experts also stressed that the rail network is becoming increasingly attractive in an era where stability, speed and low emissions are priorities. Nguyen Chinh Nam of Vietnam Railways noted that participation in the network enables Vietnam to integrate more deeply into Eurasian value chains, reduce logistics costs, attract new investment and shorten shipping times to Europe. Türkiye’s Kars mayor, Tüken Senger, pointed out that cities positioning themselves as regional logistics hubs are already benefiting from job creation, new projects and enhanced economic resilience.
During the event, organizers announced more than 100 new cooperation outcomes covering efficient transport models, logistics security, diversified trade channels and service innovation. One notable development was the agreement to launch seven additional China-Europe freight train routes, all operating on full, fixed timetables—an important step toward improving reliability for enterprises planning long-term shipments.
The forum, jointly hosted by China’s major economic and transport authorities together with the Shaanxi provincial government, concluded with a shared message: the continued success of China-Europe freight trains will depend on deeper collaboration across borders and industries. As supply chain restructuring accelerates and demand for sustainable logistics rises globally, the railway network is expected to remain a key driver of regional connectivity and a stabilizing force for international trade.
