Chongqing - Six years after China Railway Express opened the first regular direct Chongqing–Budapest freight train service, the time for a Chongqing-made laptop to travel the trans-Eurasian route has been compressed to just 11 days. Hungary's trade with China has had a 29% upshot in 2025.
Dr. Péter Szitas, deputy director of the Danube Institute in Budapest, has taken notice of how this line has evolved to be part of European firms' inventory, sourcing and production strategies, and of the future China-Europe collaboration.
First of all, the traffic is turning two-way. Szitas recognized the efficiency with which Chongqing–Budapest China Railway Express had moved Chinese exports westward. And now, Polish dairy and Czech crystal are heading back toward China. Central and Eastern European nations are seeking to tap into the Chinese market.
Beyond freight, new businesses in town bring ecosystems with them. When a Chinese battery or EV brand, such as BYD or CATL, builds in Hungary, it draws in a supplier base with components, tooling, electronics, packaging, logistics and engineering. The clustering yields economic benefits for Hungary as a hub, where German traditional vehicle manufacturers like BMW are working and competing with Chinese technology.
As for the future, Szitas's prescription is to "move from project-based cooperation to an integrated China and Central and Eastern Europe green industrial ecosystem." With the EU squeezed by energy shortages and ambitious green targets, China's experience in solar, wind and EVs offers what the region needs.
Szitas is currently conducting joint research with the Western China International Communication Organization on connectivity between Western China and Central and Eastern Europe. He plans to, with empirical evidence, make a case for Europe and China to work together.