The PRC or People's Republic of China launched its first freight train to London (UK) with the aim to improve trade ties and strengthen connectivity with Britain and Western Europe.
The train departed from Yiwu West Railway station in eastern Zhejiang province of China. It will travel for 18 days over 12,000 km before reaching London.
The train will also pass through Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Germany, Belgium and France, before reaching London.
It is carrying goods produced in Yiwu. London is the 15th city in European region added to China-Europe freight train services.
Success of the train will give impetus to China's
One Belt and One Road Initiative, an infrastructure and trade network connecting Asia with Africa and EU along ancient trade routes.
One Belt and One Road Initiative: Know More- Also known as the Silk Road Economic Belt
- Called the Belt and Road, One Belt, One Road (OBOR) or Belt and Road Initiative
- It is a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.
- The initiative is a development strategy and framework put in place by Chinese leader XI Jingping
- It focuses on connectivity and cooperation between China and Eurasia.
- Comprises two components namely Silk Road Economic Belt (land based) and Maritime Silk Road (ocean going).
- It was unveiled in Sept and Oct 2013 (SREB and MSR respectively).
