A new direct freight railway service has been launched from the Chinese city of Chengdu to the Sarakhs railway station in the border city of Sarakhs, Turkmenistan. This route is highlighted as a significant step in developing logistical ties between China and Central Asia.

According to Xinhua News Agency, the first freight train along the new route was dispatched from Chengdu to Turkmenistan. This route has become the second direct rail freight connection established between Chengdu and Turkmenistan.

The freight train network between China and Central Asia has been steadily expanding since its launch in 2014. Routes that initially connected Chengdu, Almaty, and Tashkent later expanded to include Astana, Bishkek, Dushanbe, and Sarakhs.

The opening of the new railway route further solidifies Sarakhs' position as a crucial transit hub for interregional cargo transportation. Furthermore, this route creates conditions for the direct and consistent development of trade exchanges between China and Turkmenistan.

Xinhua News Agency notes that the launch of the new logistics service expands the scope of overland trade between China and Turkmenistan.