Xiamen-Central Asia train triples export value in first three quarters

The Xiamen-Central Asia train departs from Haicang Free Trade Park in Xiamen, Fujian province and passes through the five Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrghyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Xiamen-Central Asia train has delivered 1,539 containers, tripling its total export value to over $43 million year-on-year in the first three quarters this year, Xiamen Daily reported on Nov 7.

The train is the only international non-stop train to Central Asia departing from China's pilot free trade zone. The train starts from Haicang Free Trade Park in Xiamen, Fujian province and passes through five Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrghyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.

The Xiamen-Central Asia train has promoted the two-way circulation of high quality products between Southeastern, Western and Central China and Central Asia, highlighting the coastal city's transfer function, and helping the city to develop into a pivot integrating rail and water transportation, according to experts.

The main cargo carried by the train has expanded from mechanical and electrical devices, building materials, clothing and daily supplies to sports products, textiles, auto parts and fitness equipment.

Among the five countries, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are the main destinations for the goods with the two accounting for 90 percent of the export value.