Hiatus in air and sea transport offers sector chance to boost market share

While the COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented disruptions to the world economy, it has led to the strengthening of rail links between China and Europe. And, say industry experts, the growing rail freight between East and West will help the economic recovery of the countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

The number of China-Europe freight trains surged significantly during the first half of this year, with a total of 5,122 trains being put into operation, up 36 percent year on year, according to the China State Railway Group.

Howard Rosen, the chairman of the not-for-profit Rail Working Group, said: "The growth has emphasized the need for fast and secure supply chains, and it has been part of a long-term trend driven by faster delivery times for goods going in both directions as well as a highly reliable service."

https://epaper.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202008/04/WS5f28a77aa3107831ec753fe4.html