China has initiated a new rail route to Uzbekistan, bolstering its cargo transportation capabilities and strengthening its ties with the region, Xinhua reported.
Rail route inauguration
Xinhua news agency reported that a China Railway Beijing Group freight train embarked on its journey from Zhangjiaku, Hebei Province, en route to Tashkent on August 29. This train, comprising 14 container platforms, is transporting a range of products including auto parts, household appliances, and textiles.
The rail route traverses through the dry port of Khorgos, located on the border with Kazakhstan. It is estimated that the train will cover the distance to Uzbekistan's capital in approximately 15 days.
Importance of the new route
The establishment of this new rail route is viewed as a pivotal advancement in the realm of cargo transportation within the region. The rail and road junction in Zhangjiaku is earmarked for the development of a new multimodal logistics hub, underscoring the strategic significance of this transportation link.
The expansion of rail freight connections to Uzbekistan aligns with China's efforts to bolster its economic engagements in the region. Beyond catering to the local market, China is also exhibiting interest in facilitating transit to neighboring Afghanistan.
A notable priority project in this endeavor is the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. Presently, cargoes along this route are transferred through a multimodal process, involving reloading onto vehicles to cross the Chinese-Kyrgyz border. A feasibility study for the future branch was concluded in May, and construction is slated to commence by the year's end.
Furthermore, "Uztemiryulkonteyner," an Uzbek logistics entity, is contemplating the establishment of a joint logistics venture in collaboration with China. This reflects the intent to fortify the logistical infrastructure supporting trade and transportation activities between the two countries.
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