Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The number of China-Europe freight trains passing through the China-SCO Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Demonstration Zone (China-SCO Demonstration Zone) increased by 24.5% in January 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to data from China's General Administration of Customs, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.

A total of 66 trains traveled along international rail freight routes connecting China and Europe through the China-SCO Demonstration Zone, transporting 7,088 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), marking a 41.1% year-on-year growth in cargo volume.

As the number of China-Europe trains increases, service quality is also improving. In January, the Qingdao–Altynkol–Tashkent high-speed rail freight route was successfully launched in the China-SCO Demonstration Zone.

According to the General Administration of Customs, the new route shortens delivery time to about 9 days, making it 1-2 days faster than other Qingdao-Tashkent routes.

Currently, the China-SCO Demonstration Zone facilitates 22 international rail freight routes, linking 54 cities in 23 countries, including SCO member states and Belt and Road Initiative participants.