The new transport route marks a significant step in regional logistics, enhancing connectivity between China's inland regions and Vietnam's industrial hubs. The inaugural train, carrying nearly 1,000 tons of PVC plastic, departed on 27/5 from Song Zhai station, located on the Qinghai-Tibet railway line. Its journey included passing through the Pingxiang railway border gate in Guangxi, China, and the Dong Dang border gate in Lang Son, Vietnam. After entering Vietnam, the goods were transferred to Vietnamese railway wagons for transport to their final destination at Trang Bom station in Dong Nai.

This route is the first time Qinghai province has organized a container rail transport service to Dong Nai. The train route was implemented through cooperation between the Qinghai Provincial Department of Commerce, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, and Vietnam Railways Corporation. Spanning nearly 4,000 km, the route covers over 2,178 km across Chinese territory and more than 1,700 km within Vietnam. The operating unit reports that the transport time from Qinghai to Trang Bom is just over 10 days, attributed to continuous train operation and reduced transit times.

International intermodal container freight train from Qinghai (China) to Vietnam. *Photo: VNR*.

Nguyen Hoang Thanh, Deputy General Director of Railway Transport and Trade Joint Stock Company, stated that the new transport route enables direct shipment of goods from deep inland Chinese localities such as Qinghai, Nanning, and Suzhou to production and consumption centers in Vietnam. This direct link streamlines the supply chain and reduces logistical complexities.

Conversely, Vietnam's railway sector is developing programs to transport goods from Vietnam to China. These initiatives aim to increase operational efficiency and reduce the incidence of empty wagon returns, ensuring a more balanced and economical two-way freight flow.

The new train route also contributes to establishing a cross-border transportation corridor within the China-ASEAN region, facilitating goods flow. Beyond supporting key Vietnamese exports like agricultural products, seafood, and textiles in accessing the Chinese market, this transport route is expected to boost regional logistics connectivity and expand links with international transport networks.

Doan Loan