China-Europe Freight Train: A Rail Bridge Strengthening Economic Ties
The arrival of the 100,000th China-Europe Freight Train in Duisburg, Germany, symbolizes more than just a cargo delivery. It marks an important milestone for a rail service becoming an economic cornerstone, fostering stronger connections between China and the European Union (EU). This burgeoning rail link is playing a vital role, securing supply chain efficiency and driving trade.
“Rail transport has made a significant contribution to the strong economic nexus between China and the countries of the EU," says Olaf Krueger, Chairman of the International Rail Freight Business Association.
Under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), this railway has emerged as a dependable solution, particularly for time-sensitive shipments. Companies are increasingly turning to the rail network for "just-in-time" deliveries, a key factor in ensuring supply chain continuity and mitigating disruptions.
Boost to European Businesses
The benefits of this expansion extend to European businesses across various sectors. "Companies with production facilities in China have come to rely on the rail network for efficient movement of materials between factories,”
Krueger says. The reliability of rail transport prevents production delays and maintains critical supply chain continuity.
Retailers are also reaping the benefits of this efficient cargo movement. "Retailers are increasingly demanding ‘just-in-time’ services, and the Railway Express meets these needs effectively," notes Krueger.
Key to Strengthening Diplomacy
Krueger emphasizes that efficient transport connections are crucial not only for economic advancement, but they also play a vital role in strengthening diplomatic relations.
“Efficient transport connections are a prerequisite for the continuation and deepening of diplomatic relations between China and the EU,” highlights Krueger.
The future of this thriving connection depends on continued growth and adaptation. Krueger emphasizes that expanding railway infrastructure remains crucial, especially given the increasing reliance on the
China-Europe route.
In the face of geopolitical uncertainty and potential disruptions, rail infrastructure provides a dependable alternative.
A Call for Continued Improvement
Looking ahead, bottlenecks need to be addressed, with a focus on optimizing key hubs, like Italy. "More logistics terminals in Italy would boost container utilization rates on both legs of the journey," according to Krueger.
He advocates for improved rail links to ports, highlighting Piraeus in Greece as a prime
example.
Further integration and seamless connectivity will be key to cementing
the rail route
as a pillar of Chinese and European trade and – more importantly, as a symbol of international cooperation.
What factors are contributing to the increasing demand for the China-Europe freight train service?
## China-Europe Freight Train: A Rail Bridge Strengthening Economic Ties
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing the remarkable milestone of the 100,000th China-Europe freight train arriving in Duisburg, Germany. To shed light on the significance of this event and the broader impact of the China-Europe rail link, we have with us Olaf Krueger, Chairman of the International Rail Freight Business Association. Welcome, Olaf.
**Olaf Krueger:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Olaf, the China-Europe freight train has been hailed as a vital link between China and the EU. Can you elaborate on its economic implications?
**Olaf Krueger:** Absolutely. This rail service has emerged as a critical pillar of the economic relationship between China and the EU. It’s not just about transporting goods; it’s about fostering deeper trade ties, enhancing supply chain resilience, and creating new economic opportunities [[1](https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202412/01/WS674c4f3ea310f1265a1d0704.html)].
**Interviewer:** The 100,000th train arrival is a clear testament to the growing popularity of this rail route. What factors are driving this increase in demand?
**Olaf Krueger:** Several factors are contributing to this trend. Companies are increasingly valuing the reliability and speed of rail transport, especially for time-sensitive shipments. The China-Europe rail network has proven to be a dependable solution for “just-in-time” deliveries, which is crucial in today’s globalized economy.
**Interviewer:** We’ve also heard about the positive impact on European businesses. Can you share some examples?
**Olaf Krueger:** Certainly. European companies with production facilities in China are finding the rail network to be a game-changer. They rely on it for efficient movement of components and finished goods, ultimately leading to cost savings and improved delivery times. This rail link is helping them remain competitive in a demanding global marketplace.
**Interviewer:** It seems the China-Europe freight train is truly a symbol of economic cooperation and interconnectedness.
**Olaf Krueger:** You’ve put it perfectly. This rail link transcends mere transportation; it embodies the growing economic interdependence between China and the EU, paving the way for a more prosperous future for both sides.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Olaf, for sharing your insights. This has been a fascinating discussion.
**Olaf Krueger:** My pleasure.
