Xinjiang launches freight train route to Central Asia enhancing regional connectivity and cooperation.

A train loaded with 45 containers of automobile parts departed from Wusu, a city in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Wednesday, officially inaugurating a new international freight route connecting Xinjiang to Almaty, Kazakhstan.

In September, Wusu’s freight train station was named an official departure hub for the China-Europe Railway Express to enhance trade and streamline logistics between Xinjiang and Central Asia.

This month, four freight trains are set to leave from Wusu, passing through either Alataw Port or Horgos Port—land ports on the China-Kazakhstan border—to deliver products to Central Asian and European markets.

Enhanced Trade in the region

The new route will facilitate the export of agricultural, industrial, and local goods, while boosting market access for Xinjiang and other regions in China, thus enhancing consumer options.

Zhong Guannan, a sales manager at a tomato processing firm exporting 30,000 tonnes annually, highlighted that the new freight route and the opening of Wusu’s station will cut logistics costs, transportation distance, and travel time for businesses. Consequently, Zhong’s company expects a savings of 20 to 25 yuan (around 2.82 to 3.53 USD) per tonne in logistics expenses.

Additionally, data from China Railway Urumqi Group Co., Ltd. shows that from January to October 2024, 13,500 China-Europe freight trains passed through Alataw or Horgos ports, marking a 13.4% year-on-year increase, with cargo volumes totaling 23.76 million tonnes, a 12.3% rise.

The China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone, established in November 2023, is the first of its kind in northwestern China. Celebrating its one-year anniversary, the zone has reported strong performance.

Additionally, between January and August, Xinjiang’s import and export volume rose by 30.9% to reach 285.32 billion yuan.