GBA launches first cold chain freight train for Laos, Thailand

China's Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area launched China-Laos-Thailand international first cold chain train to establish a new global logistic corridor, 21st Century News reported on Friday.

The train carrying 1,120 ton cargo, including malt, vegetables and candy, left Shenzhen in South China's Guangdong province on Thursday morning.

It is expected to arrive at Laos in five days and in Thailand in seven days and return to China with high-quality fruits from Thailand.

Cold chain logistics mainly transport fresh food, including meat, vegetables and aquatic products, as well as medical products such as vaccines that have strict temperature requirements, said Shen Maobin, a manager of a logistics company in Pinghu South Railway logistic park.

About 16 measures for reefer containers have been taken to ensure smooth loading and fresh arrival of goods, Shen said.

The economic and trade exchanges between China and ASEAN countries have become more frequent, the flow of resources has become faster, and the demand for cross-border logistics and transportation has also increased after the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership entered into force on Jan 1.

The opening of China-Laos-Thailand International cold chain freight train has enriched the land transport channel between the Greater Bay Area and ASEAN, and further strengthened the agricultural trade cooperation between China and ASEAN countries.

It is of great significance for the GBA to integrate into the Belt and Road Initiative, promote the economic development of ports, as well as smooth new international land-sea trade channels.

It is also essential to promote the development of international multimodal transport, and enhance transnational and trans-regional connectivity, the report said, citing a senior official of China Railway Guangzhou Group Co Ltd.