The first freight train service linking China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region with Central Asian republic of Kazakhstan was launched on Wednesday.
The train carrying building materials and other commodities left Jiuyuan Logistics Park in Baotou City on Wednesday morning and will travel 4,332 km over eight days to reach Astana, capital of Kazakhstan, Xinhua news agency reported.
On its return journey, the train will carry goods such as mineral resources, according to a Hohhot Railway Bureau official.
"The new rail service, which follows the ancient Silk Road trade route, will support the regional export market," Lu Zhi, Vice Mayor of Baotou, said.
Around 15 freight trains will make the journey in 2016.
--IANS
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