On the morning of February 10, the first direct freight train from China to Afghanistan departed from Chongqing Tuanjiecun station. This service marks the expansion of the Chongqing Central Asia train route, opening a new land corridor for trade between China and Afghanistan.
The train will leave from the Khorgos border crossing, pass through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and eventually arrive at Helat in Afghanistan. The train, carrying a total of 55 containers, is expected to reach its destination within 12-15 days. The transported equipment will support the establishment of local communication networks and contribute to Afghanistan’s socio-economic development.
This project reduces the transportation time from Chongqing to Afghanistan by 3-5 days compared to road transport, resulting in significant savings in logistics costs. Additionally, the service strengthens strategic cooperation between China and Afghanistan under the Belt and Road Initiative, leading to increased regional trade and economic integration.
The new train service also facilitates faster access to international markets for local businesses and economies in the region, reviving trade flows. Experts believe that this project will further bolster regional economic integration and elevate trade cooperation between China and Afghanistan to a new level.
https://difang.gmw.cn/cq/2025-02/10/content_37842381.htm