In 2025, the China-Europe freight train service from the China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area (SCODA) in Qingdao, Shandong, delivered strong results.

In 2025, the China-Europe freight train service from the SCODA in Qingdao, Shandong, delivers strong results. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Throughout the year, 1,225 trains were dispatched or received, transporting 840,000 metric tons of import and export goods, with both train trips and cargo volume increasing by more than 20 percent.

Recently, two trains of the "Japan-South Korea land-sea express", operated by Shandong High-Speed Group, departed from the multimodal transport center in the area. Carrying goods like commercial vehicles, tires, and air-conditioning parts, the trains traveled via South Korea's Incheon Port before arriving at Qingdao's Huangdao Port by sea. After unloading, the cargo was assembled and dispatched via the Jiaozhou-Huangdao Railway, exiting through the Khorgos Port. It is expected to reach the Almaty assembly center in Kazakhstan in just seven days.

To date, the SCODA has established 3,222 domestic and international freight train routes, connecting 54 cities across 23 SCO member states and countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. These routes create an efficient logistics network linking East Asia, Europe, Central Asia, and ASEAN regions.

The area has handled over 5,400 China-Europe freight trains, regularly operating specialized routes for household appliances, tires, vehicles, and grains. Customized supply chain trains have also been launched for companies including Haier, Hisense, Linglong Tire, and Chery, serving more than 7,000 foreign trade enterprises.

The SCODA establishes 3,222 domestic and international freight train routes. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

To improve cross-border logistics, the area has expanded its network of domestic and international logistics nodes. Shandong High-Speed Group has established overseas assembly centers in Belgrade, Almaty, Moscow, and Vientiane, deepening regional cooperation.

Its Moscow assembly center, which opened in 2025, has established a circular train service connecting regions such as Yekaterinburg and Belarus, helping companies reduce overseas logistics costs.