PROFILE
ON JANUARY 18TH , the first freight train from China arrived in London , marking a new highlight on the 12,000 mile China-Europe route that originates in Yiwu , a commodities center in the eastern province of Zhejiang . Mainly loaded with textiles and consumer goods it reached its destination after an 18-day journey , about half the time it would have taken to be shipped via ocean freight .
London is the latest destination in an expanding rail network that connects across countries such as Afghanistan , Kazakhstan , Turkey , Spain and Germany under the “ Belt and Road ” corridor , a Chinese government initiative under the direct leadership of President Xi Jinping to recreate the ancient Silk Road trading routes .
This rail service is both a complementary and an alternative option to air and ocean transport , offering a costeffective , environmentally friendly solution combined with timely delivery . It is therefore popular with companies shipping more time-sensitive goods , including fashion , automotive and electronics . Forecasts are promising , with the overall market rail volume expected
“ CHINA ’ S PLAN TO OPEN UP A NEW AVENUE FOR GLOBAL TRADE ACROSS OVER 60 COUNTRIES WILL REQUIRE FUNDING ESTIMATED BETWEEN $ 4-8 TRILLION ”
12 April 2017