China's China Railway Express (CR Express) continues to expand its role as a key corridor connecting China with Europe and Belt and Road Initiative partner countries, with officials emphasizing both operational efficiency and financial integration.

At the second China Railway Express Cooperation Forum held in Xi’an, Zhou Haibing, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), outlined the commission's focus on improving the quality, efficiency, and security of the rail service. The NDRC plans to refine regulatory approaches, streamline inspection procedures, and adopt advanced technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence. Officials also emphasized coordination with countries along the routes to safeguard transport corridors and cargo.

Financial innovation is central to CR Express operations. On April 24, 2025, the first China-Europe railway logistics finance train departed from Xi’an, representing a practical application of financial services integrated with rail logistics. Products such as “Rail Freight Loans”, jointly launched by the Xi’an Railway Bureau and Zheshang Bank, use rail freight data as credit support to provide loans specifically for transport costs. This allows exporters to pay freight upfront while awaiting client payments, addressing working capital pressures.

The first loan facilitated timely settlement of freight charges for companies operating through Xi’an Free Trade Port, demonstrating how the financial service directly supports exporters’ operational needs. Through these mechanisms, transport data serves as collateral, and financing costs are reduced, providing support particularly to small and medium-sized foreign trade enterprises.

The logistics-finance model is supported by collaboration between railway operators and financial institutions. The Railway 95306 platform now enables enterprises to apply online for rail freight loans, with funds allocated directly to freight payments. This integration reduces intermediate costs, streamlines cash flow, and connects transport operations with financial services.

As of October 2025, CR Express trains had completed 118,600 trips, transporting 11.7 million TEUs between China and European cities. Through the integration of finance, 12 enterprises received CNY 468 million in loans, strengthening their ability to manage freight and expand trade operations.

As a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, CR Express development aligns with China's broader economic strategy, supporting high-quality China-Europe trade cooperation and contributing to the construction of a comprehensive logistics network across Eurasia.