A freight train left Chongqing's Tuanjetsun station for Afghanistan's Hairaton city on Monday morning, marking the launch of the first direct rail route connecting the named metropolis in southwest China with Afghanistan.The train carrying 55 containers of communications equipment manufactured by Chinese telecommunications giant ZTE will cross the state border at Khorgos checkpoint in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region /Northwest China/ and reach its destination in Hairaton through the territories of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The entire journey is expected to take 12-15 days.The transported cargo will reportedly be used to support the construction of Afghanistan's local communication networks in order to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.“With the direct rail freight scheme, transportation time will be reduced by 3-5 days compared to road transportation and logistics costs are expected to be reduced by 15-20 percent. It will strengthen the safety and efficiency of transportation and delivery of goods,” said ZTE official Liu Jianfeng.So far, more than 18,000 freight trains have been dispatched from and to Chongqing on China-Europe/China-Central Asia international rail freight routes, according to local authorities.The successful opening of the direct freight route will further strengthen trade and economic cooperation and exchanges between Chongqing and Afghanistan, as well as with other Central Asian countries, said the person in charge of the Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe Supply Chain Management Company.

A new port service-focused intelligent model, known as the Ark TaaS (Trade as a Service) model, recently began a public beta phase in Qingdao, Shandong province.

The model is a collaborative project between Qingdao Port of Shandong Port Group and Shandong Port Science and Technology Group.

The Ark TaaS model crafts six core application scenarios that center around the key stages of maritime import and export trade, comprehensively transforming the landscape of port and shipping logistics, said its developers.

The innovative features of the model incorporate intelligent services into all aspects of port management, catering to a wide range of users including shipowners, cargo owners and freight forwarders. The model's influence extends to various domains such as daily port operations, strategic business analysis, production optimization, smart office solutions and advanced logistics services.

"The Ark TaaS model is a groundbreaking achievement that aligns with the intelligent evolution of ports and shipping," said Xu Xiang, deputy general manager of Qingdao Port International Container Development Co Ltd.

"We have delved into port data and tracked customer needs to craft the Ark TaaS model centered around practical applications," said Xu, who is also a key member of the founding team of Ark intelligent shipping and portal services in Qingdao.

Chang Jian, another member of the founding team, highlighted the importance of integrating cutting-edge large-model technology with the actual operations of ports and shipping.

"We communicated with frontline operators such as drivers, shipping agents and freight forwarders to develop targeted functions like intelligent shipping valuation and navigation," said Chang.

"As one of the first users of Ark TaaS, we have experienced the convenience it brings. The model has enabled us to plan transportation routes, dispatch vehicles efficiently and ensure the safe and timely delivery of goods, providing crucial support for logistics development," said Ma Hongwei, deputy director of the logistics center of Qingdao Special Iron and Steel Co Ltd.

Wishing you prosperity, success, and happiness in the Year of the Snake.

May our partnership continue to thrive and bring mutual growth.

In 2025, Shaanxi Province in northwest China aims to strengthen its position as a key logistics hub by creating an economic circle centered around China-Europe international railway freight. This initiative will integrate logistics, trade, finance, and industry, fostering coordinated regional development and enhancing global connectivity.

In 2024, freight transportation between China and Europe via Shaanxi reached 524,000 TEUs, a 21.9% increase compared to the previous year. A major milestone was the opening of the Kazakhstan transport and logistics terminal at the Xi'an International Port, significantly boosting efficiency in shipments to Central Asia.

The province's total foreign trade turnover grew by 12.3% in 2024, with trade with five Central Asian countries increasing by 48.1%. In 2025, Shaanxi plans to further develop pilot free trade zones, enhance bonded area quality, and promote projects related to agricultural technologies under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

The region is also set to host major events, including the Eurasian Economic Forum, the Forum on China-Europe Freight Trains, and the China-Russia SME Forum.

Additionally, Shaanxi aims to expand digital trade, establish overseas warehouses, and tap into new markets in Central Asia, West Asia, and Russia. These initiatives are designed to solidify Shaanxi's role as a global logistics and trade hub.

Wishing you prosperity, success, and happiness in the Year of the Snake.

May our partnership continue to thrive and bring mutual growth.