The Changchun-Manzhouli-Europe (Chang-Man-Ou) international freight train service, which officially launched on August 31, 2022, has now successfully operated for over 100 days, establishing itself as a vital transportation artery connecting Asian and European commerce. During this period, the route has completed 16 round trips, covering a cumulative distance of 160,000 kilometers while transporting goods worth more than €35 million, making significant contributions to regional economic development.
Recently, a fully-loaded freight train from Germany successfully returned to Changchun, marking the smooth arrival of the 10th such train from Germany. This particular shipment carried 34 containers primarily filled with automotive parts and imported processing equipment, demonstrating both the route's efficient transportation capabilities and the close trade cooperation between China and Germany. On-site workers are currently engaged in intensive unloading operations to expedite delivery to customers.
As trial operations continue to progress, the Chang-Man-Ou route's transportation time has been reduced to 18 days, with expectations of further reduction to under 15 days once full operations commence. This improvement will provide customers with more efficient logistics services, helping businesses enhance operational efficiency and shorten overall supply chain timelines. The convenience and efficiency of such logistics services have immeasurable positive impacts on facilitating trade, particularly in cross-border commerce.
Changchun International Land Port has placed high importance on the development of the Chang-Man-Ou route, currently engaging in active negotiations with enterprises both within and beyond Jilin Province to expand cargo sources. While automotive parts remain the primary focus, efforts are underway to develop new categories including timber and electronic products to attract a broader customer base. This expansion means future Chang-Man-Ou trains will transport more diversified products beyond automotive components, further facilitating the cross-border movement of raw materials, finished goods, and industrial supplies. Simultaneously, Changchun International Land Port is actively exploring markets in Tianjin and Beijing to extend its influence and strengthen regional logistics networks.
Looking ahead, as trial operations conclude successfully, the Chang-Man-Ou freight train service is poised for accelerated growth. Supporting this important project, the railway station at Changchun Xinglong Comprehensive Bonded Zone is expected to be completed this year. With this new facility, Changchun will further consolidate its position as a regional logistics hub, facilitating faster cargo aggregation and the establishment of efficient transportation channels and platforms. Changchun's advantages as an international land port will be fully realized, injecting new momentum into emerging sectors including logistics, cross-border e-commerce, bonded warehousing, and intercity express delivery.
Future projections estimate the Chang-Man-Ou route will achieve a biweekly departure frequency throughout the year, with annual transportation volume expected to exceed 10,000 standard containers. Achieving this target would not only open broader commercial prospects but also advance the international logistics market, gradually establishing Changchun as a key logistics center in Northeast Asia.
Against the backdrop of increasingly complex global supply chains and growing uncertainties in international trade, the launch and development of the Chang-Man-Ou route provides regional enterprises with an efficient, convenient logistics channel. Simultaneously, it creates new opportunities for international trade cooperation among businesses from various countries, encouraging greater participation in global market competition.
As an important component of China's Belt and Road Initiative, the Chang-Man-Ou freight train represents not just a breakthrough in traditional cargo transportation but also a solid embodiment of the new development concepts of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Moving forward, the route will continue playing its significant role in international logistics, contributing greater strength to promoting high-quality regional economic development.
Since its inauguration, the Chang-Man-Ou international freight train service has successfully facilitated trade between China and Europe through its efficient, convenient transportation advantages, establishing itself as an important platform driving economic development in both regions and fostering regional economic cooperation. Changchun International Land Port will continue seizing this valuable opportunity, committed to enhancing logistics service quality, facilitating international trade, and better serving enterprises to achieve mutual benefit. The coming years may well see the Chang-Man-Ou route reach even greater heights, propelling overall economic growth.
