KELANA JAYA, July 12 – A newly launched cargo rail service connecting Malaysia, Thailand, Laos and China is expected to open new markets in the region and lower costs for local businesses and people, CNA reported.
The first ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Express departed a Kelana Jaya inland depot in Malaysia’s Selangor state on Jun 27 in the presence of representatives from the four countries.
It arrived at its destination in Chongqing, China on Thursday (Jul 11) with its cargo of electronic appliances and agricultural products. Another train going the opposite way from Chongqing arrived in Selangor this week as well.
The transit time was just under 14 days – faster than the sea freight route which could take up to three weeks.
Industry experts predict that the new logistics option will spur the rail manufacturing industry and lower logistics costs by up to 30 per cent.
Some durian farmers are already planning to export the prized Musang King variety via rail to China later this year, after China agreed last month to allow imports of fresh durian from Malaysia.
The ASEAN Express, which links the three members of the Southeast Asian grouping and China, will connect new trade routes and inland ports across the region.
These include the Kontena Nasional Inland Clearance Depot in Selangor, Latkrabang Inland Port in Thailand, and Thanaleng Dry Port in Laos.
Malaysian railway company KTMB intends to run two services per week between Kelana Jaya and Chongqing.
