Northwest China's Xinjiang ports see over 20,000 China-Europe freight train trips as of April 14

A staff member checks a China-Europe freight train at the Horgos Port in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Feb. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

The number of China-Europe freight train trips via the two ports in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region exceeded over 20,000 as of April 14, reported xjdaily, a local media.

A total of 44 lines are running through the two ports, the Alataw Pass and the Horgos Port, connecting China's inland cities with 13 countries, such as Germany, Poland and Russia.

Local railway authorities expanded the capacity of the two ports and optimized the operation of production in 2020. Currently, the Horgos Port could handle an average of 15 to 18 inbound and outbound China-Europe freight trains every day.

To meet the demand and ensure smooth international transport services, local customs has also optimized the handling process, shortened the loading time, and streamlined customs clearance.

In addition, the two ports have gone digitalized. With a handy online system, enterprises could get real-time update to adjust transportation arrangement accordingly.

The Belt and Road Initiative proposed in 2013 has provided Xinjiang with a significant opportunity to open up and boost economic cooperation between China and other countries thanks to its geographic advantages.