In the first quarter, 85 freight trains were dispatched along the Xi’an Trans-Caspian Route of the China-Europe network, a 150% increase compared to the same period last year. The route connects Xi’an in Shaanxi Province with Baku, passing through Kazakhstan and the Caspian Sea, and is part of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Almaty plays a key role in the corridor’s operation, serving as the main logistics hub along the route. In recent years, railway companies in Kazakhstan and China have strengthened coordination by implementing data exchange and pre-clearance of documents, significantly reducing transit times. Cargo delivery times from Xi’an to Baku have been reduced from approximately 20 to 15 days, with the fastest journey taking only 11 days.
The Xi’an International Inland Port Chanba Administrative Committee announced plans to deepen cooperation with railway and shipping operators in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan to further expand the route’s capacity. Xi’an logistics companies note that faster shipping has already increased export competitiveness, accelerated capital turnover, and strengthened their business position in overseas markets.