ECONOMY
First container train from Ukraine reaches China
Baku, February 1, AZERTAC
A trial container train consisting of 20 wagons and linking Ukraine to China through the Caspian and Black Seas has already reached China, AZERTAC reports quoting Novosti-Kazakhstan. It departed from the Baku International Sea Trade Port to Aktau, Kazakhstan, late in the evening on January 22.
The container train on route Ukraine - Georgia - Azerbaijan - Kazakhstan – China, officially known as Trans-Caucasus-Asia transport corridor or New Silk Road, left the Ukrainian port of Illichivsk on January 15. The new route includes ferries of the Black and Caspian Seas (Illichivsk — Batumi and Alat — Aktau Port) and must be competitive in comparison with the traditional overland route.
On January 14, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Georgia signed a protocol on the establishment of preferential tariffs for cargo transportation on this transport route. The new route is believed to allow redirecting cargo flows in the eastern direction.