A China-Europe freight train loaded with ceramic tableware, car tires, pipe fittings, and glass products departs from North China's Shanxi province on Aug 5. [Photo/Taiyuan Daily] 

A China-Europe freight train loaded with ceramic tableware, car tires, pipe fittings, and glass products departed from North China's Shanxi province on Aug 5.

This marked the 700th China Railway Express freight train of the province since the first set off on Feb 15, 2017. 

The train will leave China through Horgos Port and pass through Kazakhstan and other destination countries in about 12 days. 

According to Zhou Yong, deputy manager of Shanxi Jinou Logistics Co, which is responsible for the operation and cargo consolidation of the China-Europe freight trains in the province, the freight train service has increased its speed and expanded its logistics routes to 10 over the past six years. The routes run directly to 13 countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), reaching more than 40 cities. 

The variety of exported goods carried by the trains has gradually increased from wheels, stainless steel, and solar photovoltaic components to Shanxi specialties such as flanges, ceramics, glassware and walnuts. 

On the return trips, imported goods such as timber, pulp, electrolytic copper, and cotton yarn have been increasing. The running of the China-Europe freight trains has provided a broader Chinese market for enterprises involved in the BRI. 

Shanxi will increase the frequency of this freight train service to further strengthen economic and trade cooperation with countries involved in the BRI.