Trade with Europe on fast track

2013-10-30 09:58

(chinadaily.com.cn)

Block train service to Russia on fast track

DB Schenker, the international transport and logistics arm of Germany's national railway, plans to offer regular block train services between China and Russia, as well as China and Central Asia, over the next two years.
Having set up regular block trains from a number of major Chinese cities to Europe starting in 2011, DB Schenker now is working with partners such as Russian state firm JSC (Joint Stock Co) Russian Railways and China Railway Corp.
The block train service could cut rail cargo travel time between China and Moscow by half, the German company said.
A subsidiary of the Deutsche Bahn rail network, DB Schenker ran 250 container trains between China and Europe in 2012. It started westbound block train service from Chongqing in Southwest China to Germany's Duisburg and eastbound service from Leipzig to Northeast China's Shenyang in 2011.

Rail route to Europe improves freight transport

With shorter transport times and lower costs for freight, international rail lines linking central and western China with Central Asia have helped to improve connectivity and trade between the regions.

Starting in Chongqing, the Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe International Railway passes through Xi'an, Lanzhou, Urumqi and the Alataw Pass, where it enters Kazakhstan, before continuing through Russia, Belarus and Poland, finally ending in Duisburg, Germany.

Stretching 11,179 kilometers, it takes just 16 days on average to transport goods from China to Europe by rail, 20 days fewer than by sea from China's eastern ports, making rail ideal for goods with a shorter shelf life.

Geared to go

China and Europe will take significant steps to bolster bilateral ties during Premier Li Keqiang's visit

China's commitment to peaceful global development will be the main focus of talks Premier Li Keqiang will have with European leaders during his first trip to the continent since taking office.

Though bilateral relations between China and the European Union have more or less been on a strong footing, trade disputes have recently marred prospects for smooth relations. Though Brussels' latest salvo of planned punitive action against Chinese solar panel exporters does pose short-term problems, observers suggest Li may choose to focus more on the biggest picture of strengthening bilateral ties.

During his four-day visit to Switzerland and Germany, he is likely to use "clear language" to promote smooth trade flows and prevent escalation of trade disputes between China and the EU, they say. Read more>>

Chinese German investment 'will remain robust'

Chinese investment in Germany will maintain its robust momentum in the near future while auto parts manufacturing is likely to become an emerging sector under more mergers and acquisitions from Chinese enterprises chasing advanced technology, analysts said on Monday.