A Qilu China-Europe freight train, carrying 41 containers with goods worth $910,000, departed from Hamburg, Germany, and arrived in Jinan, Shandong province on Oct 25.

The imported goods include German beers and daily necessities and will be transported from Jinan to Shanghai for the upcoming fifth China International Import Expo, which will be held from Nov 5 to 10.

The train, which is operated by Shandong Hi-speed Group, marks the 2,000th freight train that has traveled between Europe and Jinan.

Jinan launched its first China-Europe freight train in 2017. The rapid development of China-Europe freight train operating in and out of Jinan has greatly promoted local economic development.

In 2021, the China-Europe freight train transported a variety of new imported goods, such as barley, soybeans, coal, organic peat, oats and alfalfa, which help maintained overall stability of production and consumption in Shandong province.

Jinan's imports and exports totaled $30.3 billion in 2021, 2.7 times more than the total in 2012. The Jinan China-Europe freight train currently can travel to more than 40 cities in 20 countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, providing sustainable cooperation with surrounding areas.

A Qilu China-Europe freight train, carrying goods for the fifth China International Import Expo, arrives in Jinan, Shandong province on Oct 25. [Photo/Jinan Daily]