CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- The 2024 Chongqing Industrial Ecosystem High-Quality Development Conference for Food and Agri-product Processing & the 9th China (Chongqing) International Hot Pot Industry Expo kicked off on October 25. Over 2,000 companies showcased more than 60,000 products, drawing eager food lovers with the tantalizing aromas and spicy flavors of Chongqing hot pot.

At 4:30 a.m. that day, approximately 2,800 kilograms of hotpot ingredients, produced by Chongqing Haoyuan Food, were loaded onto the high-speed train DJ5812 from Chongqing North Station bound for Zhengzhou. By 9:00 a.m., just 4.5 hours later, food lovers in Zhengzhou were already enjoying the authentic taste of Chongqing's culinary specialties.

On May 20, Chongqing International Logistics Group accelerated research and planning for high-speed rail logistics services and logistics hub development and continuously expanded product options along the New Western Land-Sea Corridor, following the strategic logistics planning led by the Chongqing Municipal Port Logistics Office and Chongqing Logistics Group. The group has partnered with organizations such as China State Railway Group, China Railway Chengdu Group, China Railway Express, and Henan Railway Construction Investment Group to launch the Zhengzhou-Chongqing high-speed rail freight service. They have also conducted on-site research to assess the feasibility of establishing a China-Vietnam high-speed rail freight route within this corridor.

The Zhengzhou-Chongqing high-speed freight train now operates daily, departing Chongqing North Railway Station at 4:30 a.m. and arriving in Zhengzhou by 9:00 a.m. Since its launch less than six months ago, the service has seen a steady increase in shipments, now averaging over 15 tons per day, reflecting a five-fold increase from its initial daily volume.

"The high-speed freight service has significantly improved delivery efficiency for our products to customers," noted Huang Youzhu, Chairman of Chongqing Haoyuan Food. "Previously, it took 24 hours by refrigerated truck to reach Zhengzhou; now, it’s just four and a half hours. This opens up exciting opportunities for the hotpot industry in Chongqing, and we’re exploring routes to expand into national and international markets, including Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand."

"High-speed rail freight is faster and more efficient compared to traditional road transport," said Lan Jun, President of the China Council for the Promotion of National Trade. "We will work closely with our member units, overseas trade councils, international cooperation organizations, and Chongqing International Logistics Group to actively promote Chongqing’s specialty agricultural products globally through innovative methods such as high-speed rail freight and air-rail combined transport. Besides, we will enhance the 'transport + trade + industry' synergy of the New Western Land-Sea Corridor, accelerating Chongqing’s development as an open inland hub connecting domestic and international markets." (Translated by Yuki, Fathom Language Limited)