China reports significant growth in trade with countries on the Belt and Road route in the first half of 2021

While the COVID-19 Pandemic has brought unprecedented disruption to the world economy, it has also strengthened the rail links between China and Europe, and industry experts believe the growing volume of rail freight between East and West will aid the economic recovery of countries and regions along the routes of the Belt & Road Initiative

The country already has an extensive high-speed passenger network and is now looking to develop new goods trains. Rail bosses believe demand from online retailers will help drive the development of the network