First cargo train from China arrives in N. Afghan port

The first-ever cargo train from China, after some two weeks of journey, has arrived in Hairatan port, some 300 km north of Kabul, in the northern Balkh province.

"The inauguration of cargo service train linking China to Afghanistan marks the revival of ancient Silk Road," Azarakhsh Hafizi, chairman of international relations of Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Industries, said at a ceremony on Wednesday to welcome the first Sino-Afghan freight train which had arrived a day earlier.

Bearing a banner reading "Nantong - Afghan Hairatan" in the driver's wagon as the sign of China's commitment to help revive economy of the militancy- plagued nation, the cargo train was warmly welcomed by emotional Afghans.

The railway route connecting China to Afghanistan will help traders to transport their goods in 15 days, while in the past it took two or three months for Afghan traders to ship their goods via sea transportation, Hafizi said, adding "It opens up new opportunities for Afghanistan's commerce and economic activities."

At present, goods such as mechanical equipment, information technology products and clothes are transported by China-Afghanistan freight trains to the land-locked country, while returning to China with Afghan products such as marble stone, saffron, dry fruits and carpets.

After the opening of the route, two trains are scheduled to run each month, as part of China's Belt and Road initiative to improve Asian connectivity.

The cargo train service is expected to run weekly by the end of this year, according to officials.

Hairatan port, a small but peaceful township bordering Uzbekistan and located in northern Balkh province, is a key commercial center connecting the national capital Kabul with nine northern provinces. Endit