The International Rail Freight Business Association (IBS) in Germany has expressed its hope that ‘Belt and Road’ to be held in China forum will help further boost transnational railway freight.
IBS Chairman Olaf Krueger said that the expectation for the forum, planned to take place in Beijing in May, was high;Beijing plans to host a high-level summit with 60 participating countries.
He believed that informed opinions on reliable links between China and Europe, and high-capacity and high-technology railroad freight corridors would be of great value for future railway developments. The first freight train from China to Britain arrived in London on Jan. 18. The train left east China’s Zhejiang province and travelled about 12,000 km in 18 days to reach Barking in East London.
Since the launch of the China-Europe freight train services, freight volumes have increased substantially.
The direct rail link between Beijing and western Europe offers a new option for shippers. Some European entrepreneurs call it an “artery” as it provides fresh blood for the existing European rail freight corridors or networks.