China sends first fleet of trucks to France via Central Asia and Russia

THE first six trucks of the newly launched trucking service from China via Central Asia and Russia to Europe has left Xinjiang's Horgos checkpoint for France, Xinhua reports.

The service was jointly operated by Chinese freight forwarder Wilcan Cargo and French trade service firm Comex International Holdings.

Wilcan Cargo president Cao Ganyun said the service will offer 50 runs per day to Central Asia, Russia and European countries this year and be increased to 500 runs per day by 2014. The two operators also plan to develop Yining city into a railway and air hub for cargo flow between China and these regions.

China's trade with Central Asia and Europe has been undergoing fast growth during recent years. As ocean shipping is too time-consuming, domestic shippers' demand for trucking service between these regions is rising, said the report.