China-Vietnam rail route see surge in trains

A China-Vietnam cross-border train gets ready to depart from Nanning. [Photo by Shi Shaoming/chinanews.com]

A total of 27 China-Vietnam cross-border trains had been operated from the Nanning international railway port by Jan 28 in 2021, an increase of 125 percent year-on-year.

Strict disinfection processes have been applied for cross-border trains to ensure smooth transportation between China and Vietnam.

Cargo such as wheat, starch, flour, refined salt, glass, cotton yarn and diesel engines from central and western China have to pass a strict quarantine before being loaded on the cross-border train to depart for ASEAN countries.

Products such as protective clothing and daily necessities from ASEAN countries on inbound trains arriving at Pingxiang will first pass disinfection system before being unloaded. 

The pandemic situation overseas has had an impact on cross-border logistics, but the imported commerce conducted by cross-border trains has maintained a year-on-year growth of 15 percent since 2020. 

It is estimated that 33 percent of China-Vietnam cross-border trains depart from Nanning international railway port. China-Vietnam cross-border trains are expected to become the major driver for foreign trade development in both China and ASEAN countries.