GT Voice: Two-way ASEAN Express boosts economic ties across Eurasia
发布日期：2025-06-23 08:59:43 点击量：12次
A freight train loaded with maternal and infant products, cosmetics, and medical supplies departed Duisburg, Germany on Saturday, marking the launch of the return leg of the ASEAN Express service, the Xinhua News Agency reported.
The departure, which signifies the start of bidirectional operations for a new trade corridor linking Europe and Asia, is not just a logistical issue. If anything, this development underscores a significant advancement in the logistics network and connectivity across the Eurasian continent, offering fresh momentum for international supply chain stability while fostering deeper economic integration across continents.
For a long time, trade between Europe and ASEAN has mainly relied on maritime transport, which is often susceptible to uncertainties stemming from weather conditions and geopolitical tensions. These factors can complicate efforts to ensure timely and stable transportation. However, the introduction of the ASEAN Express, which serves as an extension of the China-Europe freight train service, promises to establish new bidirectional trade connectivity between Europe and Asia via Chongqing in Southwest China.
This land-based transportation channel can effectively bridge Europe's well-established manufacturing hubs, China's expansive production and consumption markets, and ASEAN's vibrant emerging economies. Its significance extends beyond mere infrastructure; it represents a new global trade network in which improved connectivity nurtures economic synergy.
The ASEAN Express, departing from Duisburg, is expected to arrive in the ASEAN countries in 19 days, significantly improving the timeliness of logistics.
For time-sensitive goods such as electronic products and high-end consumer goods, this has greatly enhanced market response capabilities. More importantly, it provides diversified route options for trade flows, allowing companies to flexibly arrange the transportation plans based on their own needs, enhancing the resilience and risk resistance of the global supply chain. This comprehensive connectivity establishes a solid transportation guarantee for economic and trade exchanges between Asia and Europe, creating favorable conditions for the deep integration of economies across the Eurasian continent.
In the current context of numerous uncertainties facing the global economy, the bidirectional operations of the ASEAN Express hold profound significance. By optimizing logistics networks, enhancing transportation efficiency, and reducing trade costs, the ASEAN Express creates a fairer and more efficient market competition environment for companies in various countries. This innovative logistics model also provides valuable experience for other regions, inspiring more countries and areas to achieve common development through strengthened cooperation and optimized resource allocation.
Furthermore, the bidirectional operation of the ASEAN Express is another successful example of international cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, which has once again demonstrated its inclusivity and openness. It not only underscores China's proactive role in global economic collaboration but also reflects the initiative's great commitment to fostering a more interconnected and prosperous world.
In addition, Chongqing, as a strategic link between Europe's developed economies and ASEAN's emerging markets, plays a pivotal role in this endeavor. With its unique geographical location, well-developed transportation infrastructure, and strong logistics hub capabilities, Chongqing has become an indispensable node of the ASEAN Express and the China-Europe Railway Express. By serving as a gateway to the international market, Chongqing opens a new window for enterprises in the southwestern region and across the country to access international markets while providing an efficient and convenient international logistics platform for inland companies, enabling them to participate more directly in global trade competition.
Thus, inland cities can leverage the logistics advantages provided by the freight trains to develop an export-oriented economy, promote industrial upgrading, and foster innovative development. They can achieve resource sharing and complementary advantages through cooperation with each other, jointly promoting coordinated regional economic development and contributing more to the sustainable development of the regional and global economy.
