From the ancient starting point of the Silk Road, the China-Europe Railway Express is opening a new chapter of international cooperation. More than 2,000 years ago, the Silk Road connected China with Central Asia and Europe. Today, the China-Europe Railway Express serves as a modern logistics corridor linking Asia and Europe, strengthening economic cooperation and global connectivity.
The Second China-Europe Railway Express International Cooperation Forum was successfully held on November 18 in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, the historic eastern starting point of the Silk Road. Around 450 representatives from 45 countries and regions attended the forum to discuss future cooperation and development opportunities.
Since the Belt and Road Initiative was proposed in 2013, the China-Europe Railway Express has experienced rapid growth and developed into a major logistics corridor connecting China and Europe.
According to data released at the forum, annual operations increased from just 80 trains in 2013 to 19,392 trains in 2024, representing an average annual growth rate of 65%. By the end of October 2025, the China-Europe Railway Express had operated 118,600 trains, transporting 11.7 million TEUs of cargo.
The network now connects 232 cities across 26 European countries and more than 100 cities in 11 Asian countries, providing logistics services across most regions of Eurasia. The cargo categories have expanded to 53 major sectors, covering more than 50,000 types of products, including automotive parts, machinery, electronic equipment, and other high-value manufactured goods.
Since its launch, the China-Europe Railway Express has maintained safe and stable operations, created a new model for international rail transportation between Asia and Europe, and provided strong support for global industrial and supply chain stability.
According to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China will continue working with partner countries to promote the high-quality development of the China-Europe Railway Express through four major areas:
1. Developing More Efficient Transportation Corridors
China will continue improving customs supervision models, optimizing inspection procedures, expanding port and corridor capacity, and promoting new transportation routes. Key logistics hubs such as Aktau Port and Baku Port will receive further support to enhance connectivity.
2. Promoting Digital and Innovative Development
Advanced technologies including big data and artificial intelligence will be applied to improve digital customs systems and China-Europe Railway Express information platforms. New “Railway Express Plus” models and themed cultural trains will also be developed.
3. Strengthening Safety Cooperation
China will deepen cooperation with countries along the routes to improve transportation security, cargo safety, risk prevention, and full-chain security management.
4. Enhancing Economic and Industrial Integration
The China-Europe Railway Express will further integrate with trade, manufacturing, logistics, and financial services to improve resource allocation efficiency and support stronger China-Europe economic cooperation.
The Second China-Europe Railway Express International Cooperation Forum achieved 111 cooperation outcomes, significantly exceeding the results of the first forum.
During the event, China and Central Asian countries jointly released initiatives to deepen China-Europe (Asia) Railway Express cooperation. Additional achievements included the release of the China-Europe Railway Express Development Report 2025, the launch of new railway timetable services, cooperation agreements on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, and financial support programs for China-Europe Railway Express projects.
Sixteen cooperation projects were also signed during the forum, covering platform development, financing, infrastructure connectivity, and trade facilitation.
Looking ahead, China will continue cooperating with countries along the routes to enhance connectivity and promote the China-Europe Railway Express toward higher quality, greater efficiency, and stronger security.
Future priorities include expanding diversified transport corridors, improving digital services, strengthening safety management, and increasing integration with international trade and industrial supply chains.
From ancient Silk Road routes to today's railway corridors, the China-Europe Railway Express continues to connect markets, industries, and people across Eurasia, becoming an important platform for global logistics cooperation and sustainable economic development.
