First GBA-ASEAN freight train departs for Vietnam

A freight train loaded with goods departed from Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, to Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, on Tuesday.

The train, taking the first freight route to ASEAN countries launched in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, will take about four days to reach its destination.

Goods loaded in the train, 41 standard containers, were mainly raw materials and high-quality furniture, according to Sinotrans Ltd, one of the route's operators.

Sinotrans regards the international freight service as an important channel to ensure the smooth operation of the global supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the first freight route between the Greater Bay Area and ASEAN, the new service is expected to boost the high-quality development of countries and regions along the Belt and Road, the company said.

The freight train left Zengcheng district in the eastern part of Guangzhou, which has attached great importance to development of united transportation of railways and highways in its eastern areas.

A project featuring united transportation of railways and highways, with an area of about 913 hectares, is under construction in Zengcheng.