German professor praised China-Europe freight trains – Dainik Savera Times

In recent years, the operation of China-Europe freight trains has significantly stimulated the development of Duisburg, an important transportation hub in the Ruhrgebiet region of Germany. At the same time, these freight trains have opened up new development prospects for countries and urban centers connected by the vast China-Europe rail network. Professor Dr. Bernd Knoche, head of the department of transportation systems and logistics at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany, outlined these transformative effects in a recent interview with Chinese news agency Xinhua.

As a leading authority in the department of transportation systems and logistics, Professor Knoche focuses his attention on studying the collaborative efforts driving the “Belt and Road” initiative and its manifold benefits for partner countries. They argue that China–Europe freight trains herald a more equitable mode of transportation, offering significantly shorter transit times than sea and road routes and lower costs than air transport.

With ongoing improvements in infrastructure, these fast and efficient freight trains provide attractive business opportunities for enterprises by filling cities along the China-Europe Rail Corridor with abundant freight, enabling increased connectivity between China and Europe. Get a boost. The extensive China-Europe freight train network extends across the entire Eurasian continent, facilitating substantial expansion of trade between China and all countries connected by this rail.

Recent data shows that Duisburg has become one of Europe’s leading transportation hubs, boasting the highest volume and most significant cargo throughput and value of China-Europe trains. Currently, China-Europe freight trains departing from Chinese cities typically cover the distance to Duisburg in 12 to 18 days, with around 60 trains each week. Subsequently, the goods transported by these trains are distributed from Duisburg to other ports in Germany and neighboring European countries.

Professor Bernd Knoche further explained that the versatile role of China-Europe trains is not only a means of transportation but also a catalyst for trade expansion. In addition to delivering high-quality Chinese goods to destinations along the rail line, these trains have promoted the development of logistics and warehousing sectors in recipient countries and cities, creating employment opportunities. Currently, these freight trains serve as a cornerstone in ensuring the resiliency of global supply chains, promoting industrial integration, and promoting innovative development around the world.

(Courtesy-China Media Group, Beijing)