On April 14 (local time), a China Railway Express (CR Express) train departing from Wuhan arrived at Duisburg, Germany. On the same day, the 1st “China Post” block train of CR Express (Yuxinou) running between Chongqing and Vilnius (Lithuania) and the first “China Post” YXE CR Express train leaving from Yiwu arrived in Europe one after the other.

On April 14, the 1st “China Post” block train of CR Express (Yuxinou) running between Chongqing and Vilnius (Lithuania) arrives in Europe. (Photo by Tang Yi)

These three trains have their own meanings. The one departing from Wuhan is the first outbound train after the city was released from full lockdown. It sent a positive signal to the world that Wuhan people had returned to normal life. This train was loaded with more than 160 tons of urgently needed anti-epidemic materials such as medical non-woven fabrics and medical tablecloths, as well as materials needed for the resumption of work such as auto parts, electronic products and optical fibers for communication.

The “China Post” CR Express (Yuxinou) train is the first special train for parcels launched in China, opening a new route for international mail that had been piled up during the outbreak of COVID-19. The launch of the “China Post” YXE CR Express train marks the realization of the large-scale and regular operation of the mail delivery business from Yiwu to Europe. The two trains play an irreplaceable role in ensuring the smooth transportation of international mail and anti-epidemic materials.

CR Express was affected by the epidemic at the beginning but recovered soon and achieved growth against the trend, thus emerging as a significant role in fighting the epidemic. Data from the Ministry of Commerce show that CR Express has dispatched 1,941 trains carrying 174,000 TEUs in the first quarter of this year, up 15% and 18% respectively year on year.

CR Express, as a significant component of the Belt and Road Initiative, has played a crucial role in strengthening global connectivity and promoting globalization. The epidemic has led to global logistics difficulties and rapid international trade shrinking. However, CR Express is maintaining high-quality, normal and stable operation, which is of great consequence to reduce the impact of the epidemic on the global industrial chain and promote the cross-border flow of goods and services.