A China-Central Asia freight train bound for Tashkent via Horgos departs from a station in Tianjin Port in north China's Tianjin, May 20, 2025.  (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

The Central Asia freight train bound for Tashkent, Uzbekistan, departed from north China's port city Tianjin around 4 p.m. Tuesday, marking the first Tianjin-Central Asia freight train service in 2025.

The train carries 50 maritime-transited containers from the Republic of Korea, comprising auto parts, machinery equipment, construction materials and household appliances. It will stop over at Horgos Port in Xinjiang before arriving in the Uzbek capital in about 14 days.

China remains Uzbekistan's largest trading partner and primary import source, with mechanical and electrical products dominating Uzbekistan's imports. In recent years, Tianjin has witnessed robust growth in economic and trade exchanges with Uzbekistan.

"The containers were loaded within a week after reaching Tianjin Port by sea. Compared to previous routes, the Central Asia freight train service reduces total logistics costs by 20 to 30 percent," said Zhao Lixun, Tianjin branch manager of Unico Logistics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Zhao's company handles approximately 30 to 40 freight trains monthly, transporting around 2,000 containers. "Tianjin Port's geographical advantages make it our preferred hub for Central Asia-bound cargo," he said.

Avaz Kamalov, chief representative in China of Uzbekistan Railway JSC, said that this Central Asia freight train provides a shorter route.

"Previously, most Tianjin-Uzbekistan cargo went through several stopovers. This route shortens the journey by over 800 kilometers and paves the way for multimodal transport solutions, creating new opportunities for clients," Kamalov said.

To ensure seamless operations, Tianjin Port Group has optimized resource allocation to accelerate cargo handling, while Tianjin Xingang Customs implemented expedited clearance protocols. China Railway Container Transport Corporation further enhanced cost efficiency through precise coordination of cross-border transport plans.