In the context of increasingly frequent global trade, international freight trains have gradually become an important link between national economies. At 9:38 a.m. on September 17, 2023, Chifeng City in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region witnessed a milestone moment: the inaugural "Chifeng-Manzhouli-Europe" ( "Chi-Man-Ou" ) international freight train departed smoothly from the railway transport base of Chifeng Bonded Logistics Center, marking a significant step forward in regional international cargo transport and trade facilitation.
The train, loaded with 1,100 tons of lysine bound for Russia, has injected new momentum into the foreign trade development of Chifeng City and the wider Inner Mongolia region. With a total journey of 9,000 kilometers and a one-way transport time of just 10 to 12 days, this efficient transport capability fully demonstrates the powerful advantages of modern railway logistics.
"In the global logistics system, time is money," said a local official. "Fast and efficient cargo transport can create greater market competitiveness for foreign trade enterprises." Through the "Chi-Man-Ou" train, companies can consolidate goods at Chifeng Bonded Logistics Center, benefiting from streamlined customs declaration and inspection procedures under the integrated service model of "local declaration, rapid inspection, and clearance." This significantly shortens customs processing cycles, saving valuable time and operational costs while enhancing transaction convenience.
The new route also provides broader international market access for foreign trade enterprises in Chifeng and surrounding areas. Operating at a frequency of one train per week, the service will transport goods to Russia, Belarus, Poland, Germany, and the Netherlands, greatly expanding trade between Inner Mongolia and European countries. This new logistics channel not only strengthens Inner Mongolia's export-oriented economic development capacity but also provides strong support for regional economic integration.
Analysts note that Chifeng City has established a new pattern of opening-up under China's Belt and Road Initiative, characterized as "connecting to Mongolia and Russia in the north, facing Japan and South Korea in the east, and reaching overseas markets in the south." Since the Chifeng Bonded Logistics Center began operations in 2015, local foreign trade enterprises have enjoyed comprehensive services including import bonding, export tax rebates, and international logistics distribution. These policies have stimulated business activity, enabling companies to respond more flexibly to market changes and adjust strategies promptly.
The successful launch of "Chi-Man-Ou" is the product of both policy guidance and market demand. In recent years, Inner Mongolia has vigorously developed cross-border e-commerce and international logistics, driving regional economic transformation. As trade facilitation measures are gradually implemented, more foreign trade enterprises are choosing to invest in Chifeng, using this new route to reach more distant markets—creating a virtuous cycle.
With the normalization of "Chi-Man-Ou" operations, Chifeng's Bonded Logistics Center is poised to become a hub connecting various goods to international markets, providing more convenient freight services. Future plans include expanding transport routes to achieve comprehensive coverage of more countries and regions, enhancing the area's international influence and promoting high-quality economic development.
As the global economy recovers, the launch of the "Chi-Man-Ou" international freight train represents not just a transport innovation for Chifeng, but a microcosm of China's railway freight capabilities. Combining new thinking and technologies, it contributes to building a community with a shared future for mankind. In today's world of accelerating goods movement, Chifeng has demonstrated forward-looking planning and decision-making wisdom in promoting international trade and regional economic development. As this international logistics channel continues to improve, foreign trade enterprises in Chifeng and surrounding areas will undoubtedly encounter new development opportunities, further enhancing their competitiveness in global markets.
