Country portraits
24. 10. 2019
With the largest population in the world, China is the second largest economy after the USA, as well as the second largest importer and consumer in the world. Now China has reached a new stage of development, where consumption continues to rise and offers enormous potential for growth.
Over the next five years, China expects to import more than $10 trillion worth of products and services, a historic opportunity for companies around the world to enter the vast Chinese market.
Reason enough for the Rail Cargo Group to strengthen its position in Asia and present its products and services. Participation at the China International Import Expo from 5 to 10 November 2019 in Shanghai offers the opportunity to make contact with Chinese customers and local partners.
For RCG, the connection to the maritime and continental Silk Road enables further growth. At the same time, RCG is making a significant contribution to the further development of the Austrian export economy by promoting its China transports. The New Silk Road offers great potential for RCG and its customers and we expect an annual increase of 8-10% in our traffic.
The New Silk Road is intended to create an economic corridor that will also promote the cultural and diplomatic relations of these countries and regions.
China's aim is to improve global connectivity, regional welfare gains and spill-over effects through synergetic economic cooperation, to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the EU and China and to accelerate transport routes by accelerating rail freight transport.
Over 95% of the current freight volume between Asia and Europe is transported by container ship on international sea routes.
However, maritime transport is not efficient as China's industry is increasingly moving inland away from the coasts.
Moreover, China's economic and geopolitical One Belt-One Road Initiative goes far beyond the modernization of transport and trade routes.
In addition to traditional investments in railways, ports and transport facilities, it also includes investments in the energy sector (e.g. IT and telecommunications sectors).
