A China-Europe freight train loaded with Ausnutria milk powder departs from Duisburg, Germany to Changsha. (Photo/Lin Yi, Changsha Evening News) 

At 14:20 on September 6 local time, a Changsha-bound China-Europe freight train loaded with Ausnutria milk powder pulled out of the DIT station in Duisburg, Germany. This marked the successful launch of the first inbound China-Europe freight train carrying Ausnutria milk powder to Changsha, and also the operation of the first China-Europe freight train dedicated to imports from Western Europe to Changsha.

The train carried forty-one 40-foot containers of Ausnutria milk powder, with a value of 40 million yuan and a weight of more than 700 tons. It will pass Germany, Poland, Belarus and Russia, enter China via Manzhouli port, and arrive in Changsha in about 22 days. The whole journey will cover 13,000 kilometers.

Ausnutria's milk-producing base in the Netherlands is recognized as a golden milk source in the world. The good geographical environment and climatic conditions here contribute to the high-quality Ausnutria milk. The opening of the special train provides a fast and convenient international channel with obvious comprehensive advantages for Ausnutria milk powder to reach Changsha from its producing area in Europe. Ausnutria imports more than 3,000 TEUs of dairy products from Europe every year. The China-Europe freight train service is faster than sea transport and cheaper than air freight, making it the best international logistics channel for Ausnutria milk powder.

The successful launch of the special train is an effective move to advance the Belt and Road initiative and serve trade cooperation. Actively expanding imports is an important means to promote domestic and international dual circulation. The provincial and municipal governments and the operating platform all have attached great importance to it. Functional departments, customs and railway authorities made coordinated efforts to conduct market research, strengthen demand matchmaking, assist the China-Europe freight train (Changsha) service in further expanding imports, and promote the development of regional export-oriented economy. The Hunan Central South China International Land Port also made all-out efforts to organize the supply of goods and develop special logistics solutions. 

The China-Europe freight train (Changsha) service has seen rapid growth in recent years. Its market influence has greatly improved. Local manufacturing and trade enterprises have benefited significantly. From January to August this year, Changsha handled 739 China-Europe freight train trips.

Source: en.changsha.gov.cn