Malaysia launches ASEAN Express cargo train, connecting Southeast Asian and Chinese markets

On June 27, Malaysia launched the ASEAN Express - an international cargo train connecting the country with Thailand, Laos and China, thereby helping to promote trade connectivity between ASEAN countries and the world's second largest economy.

ASEAN Express has the potential to transport up to 20,000 20-foot containers from China to the Southeast Asian market annually. (Source: The Star)

The service will connect new trade routes and many inland ports in the region, thereby significantly reducing the time it takes to transport goods within ASEAN.

In a speech at the event, Malaysian Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook said that instead of taking 14-21 days to travel by sea, goods now take only 9 days from Kontena Nasional Inland Clearance Port (KNICD) in Selangor state, Malaysia to Chongqing city, southwest China.

Mr Loke said the new line would not only improve regional rail and logistics connectivity, but also open up new markets and be more cost-effective for local businesses and residents.

The Malaysian Transport Minister added that the service will provide a smoother and more efficient flow of goods across the region and enhance rail freight capacity, while reducing logistics costs by about 20% compared to current levels. Furthermore, rail transport has significantly lower carbon emissions than road transport, helping to promote sustainable development.

Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad Group Managing Director Mohd Rani Hisham Samsudin said the new project reflects the competitiveness of ASEAN and Malaysia in the global market. ASEAN Express has the potential to transport up to 20,000 20-foot containers from China to the Southeast Asian market annually, opening up opportunities for trade growth. At the same time, the project also reinforces the strategic importance of the rail network in the regional supply chain.

According to him, by connecting important economic hubs, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad Group hopes the new service will facilitate economic integration among neighboring countries, while promoting regional development and prosperity.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/malaysia-ra-mat-tau-cho-hang-asean-express-ket-noi-thi-truong-ng-dong-nam-a-va-trung-quoc-276714.html