China will improve the operation of its freight train services with Europe during its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period by adopting more innovative management practices, deepening international cooperation and developing additional service routes, said government officials on Tuesday.
Speaking at a news conference in Beijing, Liang Linchong, director-general of the department of regional opening-up at the National Development and Reform Commission, said the country will strengthen cross-border support mechanisms to enhance the global competitiveness of China-Europe freight train services.
Rail freight transportation has become a key pillar of Belt and Road cooperation over the past decade, with its expanding network, improving efficiency and growing trade value reinforcing connectivity across Eurasia, Liang said.
More than 50,000 varieties of products across 53 categories are transported using the freight train services, with the value of cargo accounting for a growing share in China-Europe trade, he added.
The evolving efficiency of the service has also made it an increasingly attractive option for time-sensitive shipments.
