Containers are loaded on the train. [Photo by Bei Weitao/China News Service]

Over 1,000 freight trains have successfully traveled along the China-Vietnam route over the last six years. These trains have been transporting cross-border goods to ASEAN countries, such as Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Since this route opened in November 2017, the service quality of the trains has continuously improved, and the transportation time from Nanning to Hanoi has been reduced from over 20 hours to just 14.5 hours, creating a "fast lane" for trade between China and ASEAN countries.

As of Nov 30, a total of 1,073 China-Vietnam freight trains have been operated, transporting a total of 594,500 metric tons of import and export goods.

The cargo collection points for these trains cover more than 20 cities across six provinces in China, including Sichuan, Guizhou, and Zhejiang. The types of goods transported have expanded from 205 to over 620, including industrial machinery, technology products, and local specialties.

Zhou Qishou, deputy director of China Railway Nanning Group, said that since the end of June this year, the Nanning freight center has realized a fast customs clearance mechanism for China-Vietnam trains. Three such trains operate weekly, which effectively enhances the cross-border goods transportation sector.