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Belarus' freight shipments to China by rail growing fast

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MINSK, 5 January (BelTA) – Belarus is increasing freight shipments to China by rail by several times, BelTA learned from Belarusian Transport and Communications Minister Aleksei Avramenko.

Aleksei Avramenko said: “We are increasing freight shipments to China in these conditions. Last year we sent 988 container trains to China. For instance, over 1 million tonnes of potash fertilizers was transported. Sawn timber, milk powder, and a number of other cargoes were also transported. We have steady growth here, practically an increase by several times. Then there is traffic that travels in container trains between Western Europe and China via Belarus.”

The Western policy of sanctions has had an effect on freight transit by rail because massive shipments of Russian cargoes to Europe via Belarus stopped. For instance, shipments of Russian coal. “It constituted virtually 30% of the revenues of Belarusian Railways. This is why we are readjusting this approach now,” the official noted.

Belarusian Railways also has to renew the rolling stock since a large number of cars and wagons are stuck in Ukraine.

“And certainly the shipment of foreign trade cargoes, domestic transportation represent the task that we will address as a priority for the sake of the national economy. No doubt, Belarusian Railways is also intent on transporting passengers, on improving the quality of services,” Aleksei Avramenko added.

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