BAKU, Azerbaijan, Oct. 21
By Klavdiya Romakayeva - Trend:
The first regular international freight train departs from China’s Hebei to Tashkent, Trend reports referring to the Dunyo information agency.
The Internet version of the leading Renmin Ribao (People's Daily) Chinese newspaper reported that the first regular international freight train to Hebei Gaoi – Khorgos – Tashkent is expected to arrive in the capital of Uzbekistan on October 25.
The publication cites information from Yibo Inc., which reported that on October 12 at 21:00 the first regular international freight train to Hebei departed from the smart port of the Yibo holding located in Shijiazhuang for intermodal transport from the south-central part of Hebei. The train will cross the border at the Khorgos checkpoint and follow to Tashkent.
According to People's Daily the train, formed of 50 wagons, carries medicines, bicycles, auto parts, parts for industrial equipment, and other cargo worth 30 million yuan ($4.49 million). The train is expected to arrive in Tashkent in 12 days.
According to the newspaper, after the launch of regular trains from the specified smart port, at least 12 permanent trains China-Europe (Central Asia) will depart from Shijiazhuang every month.
At least four trains are provided for each route (excluding return trains). This will help improve Hebei's freight transport capabilities and increase the supply of Hebei-made goods to Europe and Asia.
At the same time, the launch of regular trains will contribute to the acceleration of Hebei's openness, the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese government in 2013 to invest in nearly 70 countries and international organizations.), improving the quality of operation and maintenance of rail freight traffic.
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