China-Europe rail links open way for more trade in fresh food

Beijing

RISING investment in rail links between China and Europe could boost Chinese imports of fresh foods such as meat and dairy products, predicts a new report from Dutch bank Rabobank.

Railway lines built in recent years connecting southern Chinese cities to Europe significantly reduce transport times compared with ocean freight. But they are mainly used to ship industrial and IT products to Western markets, while many wagons return to China empty.