Global logistics leaders gather at Second CRE (Chengdu-Chongqing) Conference in Chongqing
Chongqing - On December 5, the Second China-Europe Railway Express (CRE) (Chengdu-Chongqing) Global Partners Conference was held in Chongqing. The conference gathered global logistics leaders to witness the next chapter of the China-Europe Railway Express (Chengdu-Chongqing), a key driver of economic cooperation between Asia and Europe.
On December 5, the 2nd China-Europe Railway Express (Chengdu-Chongqing) Global Partners Conference was held in Chongqing. (Photo/Chen Yingzhu)
As a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, the CRE (Chengdu-Chongqing) has seen over 5,000 trips annually since its debut in 2021, accounting for one-third of the national total. In 2024, the number of annual departures is expected to exceed 5,700, maintaining its national leadership.
Frank Schulze, Chairman and General Manager of DB Cargo Transasia, noted that Chongqing and Chengdu's proximity to the European Union (EU) makes railway connections essential for the region's growth. With the shift toward green logistics and a green economy, these rail links are vital for the industry's development both to the EU and beyond.
The conference marked several cooperation milestones and product launches, including the debut of the CRE (Chengdu-Chongqing) Trans-Caspian Sea Express Train. This new, diversified route for exports from Chengdu and Chongqing combines rail, sea, and road transport, providing faster service and improved connectivity with multiple access points.
The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor, starts from Southeast Asia and China and runs through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and further to European countries.
Guests at the SecondChina-Europe Railway Express (Chengdu-Chongqing) Global Partners Conference. (Photo/Chen Yingzhu)
Pacific Global Logistics Group presented a plaque to the CRE (Chengdu-Chongqing) railway platform operator at the conference, "Chengdu-Chongqing Center of the Middle Corridor." It formalized a cooperation agreement for the Middle Corridor project.
The awarding ceremony for the Chengdu-Chongqing Center of the Middle Corridor. (Photo/Chen Yingzhu)
"Given the current geopolitical landscape, improving transport routes is crucial, and the Middle Corridor is the key alternative," said Fatih Nusret DUR, Chair of the Board of Pasifik Eurasia.
He added that this route enhances the efficiency of the CRE to Europe. By 2025, he expects a significant increase in train traffic on this corridor, further strengthening the global logistics network.
The International Association "TITR" signed a cooperation agreement with Yuxinou and Chengdu International Railway Port Investment and Development (Group) Co., Ltd. to enhance the logistics infrastructure for the CRE (Chengdu-Chongqing). The agreement aims to improve supporting facilities, promote digital integration, and develop an efficient transportation service system.
In addition, the CRE (Chengdu-Chongqing) has created a seamless connection with the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC). Currently, two-way express services such as the "Thailand-Chengdu-Chongqing-Europe" and "Vietnam-Chengdu-Chongqing-Europe" routes have been launched, offering more efficient logistics services for trade between ASEAN countries and Europe.
To strengthen the connection between CRE (Chengdu-Chongqing) and ILSTC, Yuxinou, New Land-sea Corridor Operation Co., Ltd, and Sinotrans signed an agreement on Asia-Europe multimodal transport routes. The project aims to accelerate the development of a two-way logistics network linking Southeast Asia, Yunnan Province, the Chengdu-Chongqing region, and Europe while establishing a comprehensive multimodal transport service network.
"Three weeks ago, many German businesses came to Chongqing to explore opportunities and promote regional development. Their interest was significant, with the railway connection for the China Railway block train being a key factor in this progress," Schulze noted.
