The first "Jinbo" China-Europe freight train carrying the exhibits for the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) arrived in Shanghai on Sunday morning. "Jinbo" is short for CIIE in Chinese. The train is dedicated to transporting exhibits for the CIIE. The train which arrived in Shanghai on Sunday primarily carried cosmetics and mechanical equipment.
The train embarked on its 21-day journey spanning over 11,000 kilometers from Duisburg, Germany, passing through the Alashankou Port in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a crucial hub connecting China with Central Asia and Europe.
It transported 76 containers valued at nearly 100 million yuan (around 14.08 million U.S. dollars).
Exhibits for the CIIE have been directly transported to Shanghai via the China-Europe freight trains for four consecutive years.
The seventh CIIE will be held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, with all preparations in the final stage.
First China-Europe freight train carrying exhibits for upcoming CIIE arrives in Shanghai
Joining the BRICS group will bring mutual benefits, characterized by trade and economic opportunities, according to Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Thailand is bidding to become the latest member of the BRICS group founded by Brazil, Russian, Indian and China plus South Africa. The grouping expanded earlier this year by adding Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Russia, the host this year, has invited Thailand to attend October's BRICS summit, something Thailand hopes will be a stepping stone to full membership.
"Any economic and political partnership can always bring mutual benefits, when we start from mutual understanding and knowing one another well. With BRICS, we would share interests in economics and trade opportunities, including digital economy, alternative energy, and of course in assisting one another to promote in the sustainability development," said Charnvirakul.
Charnvirakul also stressed Thailand's offering to the group, as it serves as a strategic gateway to the ASEAN market and a key player in the global food security.
"I would like to emphasize that Thailand has much to offer to the BRICS members. We are at a strategic location in the middle of Southeast Asia, making us a gateway to the ASEAN market with over 600 million people. As one of the main food producers, Thailand could be a great partner for food security, as we aim to be the kitchen of the world," said Charnvirakul.
Thailand can also explore its strength in tourism after joining the BRICS bloc, said Charnvirakul.
"We also have a lot to offer from our tourism industry. If you look at each country in BRICS, you might agree with me that they are all unique and quite exotic to visitors, so is Thailand. This is the area that we can be creative in exploring ways to enhance our strength. And in the big picture, I would say that Thailand could be a bridge that connects BRICS with the ASEAN region for unlimited economic opportunities. With China as one of BRICS key members, I am certain that our journey with BRICS beyond the summit will move forward smoothly," he explained.
The 16th BRICS Summit, the first to be held after the BRICS expansion, is scheduled for Tuesday to Thursday in Kazan, Russia.
Thailand eyes mutual benefits, economic opportunity through BRICS membership
