China-Europe freight trains via Manzhouli nearly double in 2016

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China's largest land port of entry and exit, Manzhouli, saw robust growth of freight trains linking China and Europe in 2016, mainly due to the Belt and Road Initiative.

In 2016, 1,036 cross-border freight trains went through the port, an increase of nearly 90 percent year on year, carrying goods worth 3.6 billion US dollars, according to Manzhouli Customs.

A train passes the border crossing from Zabaykalsk in Russia to Manzhouli in China. /CFP Photo

A total of 774 outbound trains, mainly loaded with electronic products and parts, apparel, household appliances and daily necessities, were launched in 2016, nearly double the same period the previous year.

A total of 262 inbound freight trains, carrying items such as auto parts, passed Manzhouli port, up 83 percent year on year.

Manzhouli, the customs station and gateway of China to Russia. /CFP Photo

The port has become increasingly busy since the Belt and Road Initiative, a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along ancient trade routes, was proposed in 2013.

Manzhouli, located in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, borders Russia to the north and sits close to Mongolia to the west.

By 2016, there were a total of 25 outbound and seven inbound China-Europe railway lines in Manzhouli for freight trains.