The Decade of “Belt and Road” Initiative and the Success of the China-Europe Railway Express

Unraveling the Impact of the Belt and Road Initiative

Launched in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aimed to strengthen China’s connectivity with the world. As an emblem of China’s expanding global influence, the initiative has been instrumental in fostering cooperation, improving connectivity, and bolstering economic growth. On the eve of the 10th anniversary of this significant initiative, it is worth examining the progress made and the impact created. The initiative has successfully given rise to over 3000 cooperative projects, attracting nearly trillions of dollars in investment, and has emerged as a popular international cooperation platform.

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The China-Europe Railway Express: A Key Player

Among the key projects of the Belt and Road Initiative is the China-Europe Railway Express, often referred to as the China-Europe freight train. Serving as a bridge between the East and the West, this railway express has made remarkable strides in enhancing trade and connectivity. Originating from Chongqing, China, the trains have transported over one million containers, carrying tens of thousands of different types of goods. The total value of these goods exceeds 500 billion RMB, attesting to the immense scale and significance of this project. The trains pass through more than 100 cities in Europe and Asia, and their coverage continues to expand, thereby strengthening international supply chains and fostering economic integration.

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Global Perspectives on the China-Europe Railway Express

The China-Europe Railway Express has not only enhanced trade and connectivity but has also garnered international attention and appreciation. Journalists from Kazakhstan, Brazil, and other countries have provided their perspectives on this initiative. For instance, the Editor-in-chief of Kazakhstan’s “Headline News” Information Network has highlighted the expansion of coverage by the trains departing from Chongqing. Kazakhstan’s Dostyk railway hub plays a pivotal role as a gateway for Chinese freight trains heading to Europe, reflecting China’s commitment to expanding its commercial railway hub cooperation with Central Asian countries.

Historical Significance and Economic Contributions

The Founder and General Manager of the Georgian “Mutawari” Media Center, who live-broadcasted the departure ceremony of the China-Europe Railway Express, emphasized its historical significance. The train, loaded with locally produced goods such as electronics and automobiles, departs from Chongqing to Germany. This boost to local production and trade is indeed noteworthy. Similarly, the Editor of the First National Channel Information and Public Politics Broadcasting Bureau in Belarus has commended the significant contributions of the China-Europe Railway Express to stabilizing the international supply chain of industrial products between Asia and Europe.

Chongqing: The Significant Hub

Chongqing has emerged as a significant hub of the Belt and Road Initiative and is the starting point of the China-Europe Railway Express. The train carries about 6000 tons of goods from Chongqing to Germany in 15 days, with new energy vehicles accounting for 30% of the exported products on these trains. Journalists from Brazil and Nicaragua have also emphasized the importance of Chongqing in this context.

Empowering Trade and Connectivity

The Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Europe Railway Express have played a pivotal role in improving trade and connectivity between China, Europe, and other countries along the route. By facilitating the transportation of goods and boosting economic development along its route, these initiatives serve as powerful catalysts for global economic growth and integration. As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, it is evident that this initiative, along with projects like the China-Europe Railway Express, will continue to empower economies and foster global cooperation in the years to come.

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