Cargo train between China, Europe completes maiden run

BEIJING: A cargo train service between China's famous commodity hub Yiwu and Spain returned today after completing its maiden run on the 13,000-kms long route, one of the longest in the world, raising expectations of a surge in Chinese exports to the continent.

The cargo train with 64 containers completed its maiden journey from Madrid Spain to China's eastern city of Yiwu, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The train travelled for 24 days along the Yixin'ou cargo line, the longest of all the China-European cargo railways, with famous Spanish products including wine and olive oil.

The 13,000-km line, one of the longest routes in the world that passes through China, Spain, Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Germany and France.

The service opened at the end of 2014. The first train from China to Spain, carrying stationary, craft products and products for the Christmas market, left Yiwu on November 18, 2014, and arrived in Madrid after 21 days.

Yiwu, a sprawling trade city is China's biggest commodity market nicknamed as world's wholesale market supplying all variety of products at cheapest prices.

India is one of the top importers of Yiwu where over three lakh Indian traders visits annually.

The new rail line is a more efficient export channel for Yiwu's commodities, as the city previously relied heavily on air and sea transportation.

"The cargo train will boost economic exchange between Yiwu, the world's largest small commodity market, and Madrid, Europe's largest small commodity market," said Li Huihuan, manager of Yiwu C F International Logistics Co Ltd.

According to Yiwu customs, Yiwu's import and export volume in 2014 was 148. 6 billion yuan (USD 23.7 billion) increase of 28.6 per cent year on year.

The new train service was launched as Chinese President Xi Jinping announced USD 40 billion fund to build 21st century Silk Road Economic belt and Maritime Silk Road which enhances China's trade links in the region and world.