The ASEAN Express pulls out of the Duisburg Intermodal Terminal (DIT) in Germany on June 21, marking the launch of the return leg of the service. (Photo/Su Si)
Chongqing - At 9:40 a.m. local time on June 21, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Express pulled out of the Duisburg Intermodal Terminal (DIT) in Germany, marking the launch of the return leg of the service.
The Express was jointly developed by Yuxinou (Chongqing) Supply Chain Management and the New Land-sea Corridor Operation. Carrying shipments of maternal and infant products, cosmetics, and medical supplies, the train departs from Duisburg, passes through Chongqing, and continues on to ASEAN countries, including Thailand and Vietnam. The whole journey takes approximately 19 days—over 50% faster than traditional sea transport, according to the data released by the New Land-sea Corridor Operation.
Since its launch on October 15, 2024, the ASEAN Express has opened three routes from Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand to Europe via Chongqing, transporting goods with a total value exceeding 1.9 billion yuan ($264.63 million).
Built upon the well-established networks of the China-Europe Railway Express and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, the ASEAN Express links the EU, China, and ASEAN economies. The Express offers simplified services for entrustment, shipping, and documentation, aiming to improve operational efficiency and strengthen connectivity between Asia and Europe.
Xu Jian, Vice Mayor of Chongqing, stated at the promotional event held the same day at the China-Europe Railway Express (Yuxinou) overseas warehouse in Duisburg that the launch of the ASEAN Express introduces a new model and approach to multimodal transport, creating fresh opportunities for cooperation across industrial and supply chains in various regions.
In 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Duisburg to witness the arrival of the China-Europe Railway Express (Yuxinou). In the years since, the number of train services between Duisburg and China has continued to grow, with strong demand sustained to this day, said Edeltraut Klabuhn, First Deputy Mayor of Duisburg.
The launch of the ASEAN Express has established a direct connection between Duisburg and the Southeast Asian economic zone via Chongqing, creating valuable opportunities for both regions, Klabuhn added.
Liu Taiping, General Manager of Yuxinou (Chongqing) Logistics Co Ltd and Chairman of New Land-sea Corridor Operation Co Ltd, noted, "The successful launch of the ASEAN Express marks an important new link connecting Europe, China, and Southeast Asia. As the service continues to evolve and expand, we believe an increasing number of enterprises will benefit from this fast, reliable, and efficient logistics solution, jointly ushering in a new era of trade."
During the promotional event, Liu also revealed that a China-Türkiye Express is planned for launch within the year, aiming to further enhance the southern corridor of the China-Europe Railway Express, which connects Chongqing to Europe via the Caspian Sea and Türkiye.