The China-Europe freight-train service has recorded more than 40,000 trips so far, with the transported goods valued at over US$200 billion.

In a statement published by Xinhua, the official Chinese state-run press agency, it said that since the first China-Europe freight train left southwest China's Chongqing Municipality in March 2011, the service has reached more than 160 cities in 22 European countries.

Just last year, the trains made 12,406 trips up 50% year-on-year as the pandemic caused a surge in demand. 

The intercontinental rail route is considered a significant part of the Belt and Road Initiative to boost trade between China and countries participating in the initiative.

"When the COVID-19 pandemic impeded sea and air transport, the freight-train service emerged as a reliable choice in global logistics thanks to its safety, stability and efficiency," the statement said.

Around 94,000 tonnes of anti-pandemic supplies was sent through the route, which helped to stabilize the global industrial and supply chains.