China's Chongqing launches new freight train service to Afghanistan

(ECNS) -- A freight train loaded with communication equipment departed from Chongqing on Monday, heading for Hairatan in Afghanistan. This marks the inauguration of China- Afghanistan freight train services.

Commencing its journey from Tuanjie Village Station in Chongqing, the freight train will cross the Khorgos Port in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, pass through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and is expected to arrive in Afghanistan within 12 to 15 days.

The equipment on board will support the development of Afghanistan's communication network.

This rail route can save 3 to 5 day in transit time and potentially reduce logistics costs by 15 percent to 20 percent, according to a representative from ZTE Corporation, the owner of the equipment.

Currently, Chongqing operates over 18,000 China-Europe and China-Central Asia freight trains across more than 50 routes. These trains serve about 120 distribution hubs and connect to over 100 cities and regions across Asia and Europe.

The opening of this route provides local enterprises in Chongqing with a more convenient and efficient international logistics channel. It has also enables the delivery of more high-quality Chinese products and services to Central Asia and the Middle East, said a train station manager.

Chongqing plans to continue deepening economic and trade cooperation with Afghanistan and other Central Asian countries. The city will expand its railway network and improve the operational efficiency and service level of its freight trains, the manager added.