The Big Picture: Yiwu-Madrid train line

World
Europe

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Train routes require significant planning and logistical efforts. But it is already proving to be an attractive option for many exporters.

A railway yard in the heart of Spain's capital Madrid is the end of the line for a 13,000-km train route which starts in China's market city of Yiwu.

The Yiwu-Madrid train line has overseen more than 200 trips in both directions since it opened to traffic in December 2014.

As a new transportation choice faster than sea and cheaper than air, the train line is of great importance to the business dealing in fresh produce like wine.

Spanish companies have been slow to use the service but local businesses are becoming more interested in the new choice with growing import needs from Chinese market. There has also been a rise in exports, with China now a key market.

Now, operators hope the service could become even faster and more efficient in the future. With continuous investment, it would not be too far-fetched that in the future, a high speed train service could allow goods to travel from Europe to China in a shorter time.

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