Serbia received a new direct railway connection with China – The Shijiazhuang-Belgrade train has arrived (PHOTO)
A ceremony on the occasion of the launch of the first freight train on the Shijiazhuang-Serbia route was held at the METRANS intermodal terminal.
The railway route linking the capital of the northeastern province of Hebei and Serbia represents an important step for the development of the Belt and Road Initiative. It is also a significant milestone in connecting China and Europe, it was highlighted at the event.
The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials of the Chinese province of Hebei and the Chinese ambassador to Serbia Li Ming, as well as representatives of companies involved in the project, including METRANS, Shijiazhuang International Land Port, CRCT (China Railway Container Transport), TE and Milšped.
The Shijiazhuang train started its journey to Serbia in late March, and as it was announced at the time – it was stocked with mechanical equipment and auto parts worth around three million euros. The journey marked the official launch of a new freight line between China and Serbia, linking two points more than 10,000 kilometers away.
At the event, representatives of the Milšped Company signed a cooperation agreement with the prestigious Chinese company Shijiazhuang International Land Port.
The launch of a direct railway route between the Chinese province of Hebei and Serbia means that, instead of taking the previously used route through Europe, direct freight trains between these two regions will enable faster and more efficient transportation of goods, Milšped representatives pointed out.
– Intermodal transport and railways are key in our strategy, due to economic efficiency and decline in environmental impact. With this innovative approach, we continue to set standards in the logistics industry, enabling faster, more reliable, and environmentally friendly transport of goods between China and Serbia – said Nebojša Krivokuća, CEO of Milšped Group.
The terminal in Indjija has been part of the METRANS network since last year, and this international company has big plans for its development. That is why, as they pointed out, they are thrilled to have the opportunity to welcome the first train from Shijiazhuang, on a line that they predict will be a great success.
The Chinese media presented this service earlier as the first railway service connecting Hebei and nearby Tianjin and Beijing with Serbia. The route should provide logistical support for in-depth cooperation within the Belt and Road initiative, it was emphasized.
